UNC Health Hospital Proposal Update
Certificate of Need Formally Submitted to State to Build 150-bed Community Hospital
As a follow up to our interview with UNC Health, I wanted to share their official press release on submitting their Certificate of Need to build their proposed hospital in New Hanover County to serve the region. Additionally, I have reached out to interview Atrium Health on their proposal to build a new hospital as well. To date, I have not heard back from them.
UNC Health Files Certificate of Need Application for Proposed Wilmington Community Hospital
Marks a key step in expanding care access in one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing regions
UNC Health has formally submitted its Certificate of Need (CON) application to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for a proposed new community hospital to bring care closer to home for patients across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties.
The proposed hospital, planned for the southeast corner of South 17th Street and Shipyard Boulevard in Wilmington, with a planned 150-bed hospital spanning approximately 543,790 square feet across seven floors on a 62-acre site designed to allow for future growth.
The application is supported by Wilmington Health, the largest independent, physician-owned practice in Southeastern North Carolina, and reflects community input from residents, business leaders, and civic partners.
WILMINGTON, N.C. – June 18, 2026 – UNC Health filed its Certificate of Need (CON) application with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services for a proposed new community hospital in Wilmington this week.
This filing marks a significant step forward in UNC Health’s plan, announced in May, to expand access to primary and specialty care for patients across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties, one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing regions.
UNC Health has engaged with hundreds of residents, providers, and community leaders across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender County – many of whom have signed letters of support for the new community hospital.
“New Hanover County’s rapid growth has outpaced our healthcare resources, leaving too many families waiting for the care they deserve,” said Rob Zapple, New Hanover County Commissioner. “This proposed hospital is exactly the kind of bold step our community needs, and I am proud to support it. I urge state health officials to recognize the urgency and help us deliver the quality care our region’s residents expect and need.”
The proposed hospital, planned for a 62-acre site at South 17th Street and Shipyard Boulevard with 150 beds, is designed around the services residents from across the region have told UNC Health they need. If approved, the community hospital is set to deliver care for every chapter of life — from obstetrics and gynecology for growing families, to cardiology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, urology, and vascular care for aging well, to oncology, neurology, and emergency services for life’s hardest moments.
Wilmington’s population grew 8.5% between 2020 and 2024, with adults 65+ now making up nearly 1 in 5 residents – shifts that are driving complex, high-demand healthcare needs in the community. Wilmington Health, the largest independent, physician-owned practice in Southeastern North Carolina, supports the application.
“Every day, I see patients facing serious health challenges who need more than our community currently has the capacity to provide,” said David Schultz, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Wilmington Health.” A new hospital in Wilmington would change that – bringing more specialists, more capacity, and more options to the people of this region when it matters most. Wilmington Health is proud to support UNC Health’s application and the difference it will make for our patients and community.”
This filing initiates the state’s formal review. A public hearing is anticipated in August, and a decision from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is expected before the end of the year. UNC Health will continue to engage openly with state regulators, local elected officials, and residents throughout the process.
To learn more, visit YourCareRightHere.com.