Cece Nunn

I dislocated my right elbow when I fell on a sidewalk in New York City.

Not the best day I’ve ever had, but also not the worst. Except for the pain. I wouldn’t recommend it – maybe consider childbirth first.

But on the bright side, the emergency room at New York City’s Lenox Hill Hospital, a short distance away from where I ate the pavement on Madison Avenue, provided top-notch care. I’d say the same for a recent ER experience I had at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. In both instances, the facilities provided what I needed in a fast, efficient and caring manner.

But looking at the big picture, overall hospital performances aren’t my expertise. That’s why we need reporters – to ask the important questions and paint an unbiased, informative picture of health.

In the Pulse healthcare section of this issue of WilmingtonBiz Magazine, reporter Cierra Noffke takes a detailed look at the performance of Novant Health NHRMC since Novant closed on its purchase of the hospital in 2021. The feature includes perspectives from people who do know what they’re talking about when it comes to whether Novant Health NHRMC, which was previously owned by New Hanover County, is meeting expectations.

Also in this issue’s Pulse section, those on the frontlines talked to freelance writer Randall Kirkpatrick about the plight of rural areas when it comes to healthcare needs, and a UNC Health official shares his take on his healthcare system’s bid to build a hospital in Wilmington.  Additionally, we present a look at the planning stages of a new medical school moving forward at UNCW, and we introduce you to the new CEO and president of Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.

Outside of the healthcare-focused section, reporter Emma Dill follows a day in the life of what could be described as Wilmington’s backbone – the Cape Fear River. And Laura Moore writes about the head of The Harrelson Center in downtown Wilmington, a nonprofit campus that serves as a services backbone.

You’ll find even more information about your community within these pages, including a special section, Good Life, focused on retirement.

As for me, my elbow seems to be healing nicely, but like the stories on the following pages, I try not to take anything for granted.

Cece Nunn, Managing Editor
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