In response to an increase in trauma patients in the area, Atlantic Orthopedics of Wilmington and New Hanover Regional Medical Center have come together to hire Dr. Neil MacIntyre,  the area’s first full-time orthopedic trauma specialist.

He will begin a trauma division at NHRMC to help victims of motor vehicle accidents, falls or other traumatic injuries.

“This is a vitally important step in improving upon the delivery of healthcare to the citizens of our region and at the same time reducing healthcare costs,” said Richard Truax, Atlantic Ortopedics executive director in a press release. “The positive impact Dr. MacIntyre will have on patient care outcomes and financial savings from reducing trauma patient transfers as well as reducing hospital length of stay is going to prove to be significant.”

The hiring decision derived from a large increase in trauma patients at NHRMC over the past few years, according to Jennifer Loper, director of business development at Atlantic Orthopedics. This was beginning to cause stress for both local orthopedists on-call for trauma and the victims increasingly being moved to a tertiary trauma center.

“Local Orthopedists on call will also see the benefits because they can focus more on their own practices and not have to worry about the trauma unit at New Hanover,” Loper said.

MacIntyre was hired by Atlantic Orthopedics, but will work primarily out of the hospital, which will provide the operating room and other high-tech equipment.