This article was contributed by Shelbourn Stevens, prior Senior VP and President of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Coastal Market.

One of the most pressing priorities facing our region is how we meet the needs of our rapidly growing population. It was a driving factor behind the sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health in 2021, as neither NHRMC nor New Hanover County had the resources to grow services quickly. 

At the time of the sale, Novant Health committed to investing $2.5 billion to fund our growth.  While we, like the rest of the health care industry, have been challenged by a nationwide shortage of clinical staff, we are making progress on that commitment: providing new ways of accessing care, new locations for care, and significantly expanded services and advancements.  

NEW, 24/7 VIRTUAL VISITS

Nothing showed us the convenience of virtual health care more than the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many in the community needed a medical visit without leaving home. But the truth is, visiting your doctor over your phone or computer screen can be a huge help at many other times. That’s why we have expanded video visits to nights and weekends.

Now, patients can conveniently access and video chat with an expert Novant Health provider 24/7 for diagnosis and treatment of common medical conditions. By logging into their MyChart account, patient can have a scheduled or on-demand visit.

This 24/7 video care provides another option and alternative to an emergency room visit after hours for routine, non-emergent needs – all from the comfort of a patient’s home.
 

EXPANDING ACCESS TO ADVANCED CARDIAC, NEUROLOGY AND ORTHOPEDIC CARE

Novant Health broke ground earlier this year on a new medical office building being constructed on the campus of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center. The new building will expand access to heart and vascular care, including cardiac rehabilitation; family medicine, orthopedics and sports medicine; surgical care and infusion services. Patients also  will receive urology and OB-GYN services at the new location.

We’re also expanding our inpatient neurology services with a dedicated 108-bed facility on our 17th Street campus.  Opening this fall, it will house our comprehensive stroke center as well as advanced services for aneurysms and other neurological needs. 

The planned 66-bed Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center, a new community hospital with an orthopedic focus, is well underway, too.
  

INVESTING IN WILMINGTON’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Michael Jordan’s recent $10 million donation to open two medical clinics in Wilmington through a partnership with Novant Health has sparked a lot of excitement. Patients at the clinics will receive comprehensive primary care, including behavioral health and social support services, ensuring that those who are uninsured and underinsured  have access to true “whole-person” care.

At Novant Health, we’re excited about the ways we’re investing in the long-term health and well-being of the entire Wilmington community. We are committed to ensuring the region has the next-level medical facilities and health care services it needs – now, and for generations to come.

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Shelbourn Stevens is the prior Senior VP and President of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Coastal Market. During his 30-year tenure with Novant Health, he has worked in a wide variety of departments and held numerous leadership roles, including president and chief operating officer of Brunswick Medical Center for many years. Stevens played an integral part in the transition from the original Brunswick Community Hospital to its new, state-of-the-art facility in 2011. Stevens is accountable for the region along with having other systemwide responsibilities across Novant Health.