Another nearby coastal hospital system is expected to partner with Novant Health, which already owns New Hanover Regional Medical and Brunswick Medical centers and is part of an agreement to acquire Pender Memorial Hospital.

Conway Medical Center in Conway, South Carolina, which is about 80 miles from Wilmington and 55 miles from Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center, announced Tuesday "a new strategic relationship with Novant Health to address the health care needs of one of the fastest growing areas in the country, including the Grand Strand and Pee Dee regions." 

According to the release, Novant Health will hold a 30% membership interest in Conway Medical Center as of the closing of the deal. The plan includes expanding the CMC board of trustees to 21 members, with six representing Novant Health, the release stated.

"CMC remains an independent, nonprofit health system with local governance and leadership, with Novant Health holding a minority interest," according to the release.

Brian Argo, president and CEO of Conway Medical Center (CMC), said in the release, “Over the last several years, our organization has blossomed into a regional health system stretching from right here on the Grand Strand, all the way to Florence. We have so much in common with Novant Health, starting with our shared dedication to providing exceptional care and service to our communities. This relationship is a win-win for our communities and our patients.”

Starting with a hospital in Conway, CMC has more than 40 locations, over 100 employed providers and over 1,600 employees, the release stated.

CMC and Novant aren't the only major providers operating in the region – HCA Healthcare owns Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach.

During the first year of their collaboration, according to the release, CMC and Novant Health "will focus on developing initiatives for key areas of need for the patients of Horry and Georgetown counties."

The initiatives include:

• "Expanding access to care for patients across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee and exploring further regional growth together to provide services close to home.
• "Creating new opportunities for patient-focused care experiences, which includes moving care from clinical settings to more consumer-friendly environments.
• "Developing a robust pipeline of clinical talent and providing new opportunities to train the next generation of clinical and administrative health care leaders."

Mitch Lamm, chairman of the Novant Health Coastal Region board of directors, said in the release, “In Conway Medical Center, we have found the perfect team of mission-driven health care professionals to help Novant Health execute our vision for the Coastal Region."