Novant Health Announces Plans for New Asheville Area Hospital

Novant Health Plans to Build Asheville Area Hospital

Novant Health, a Winston-Salem based nonprofit with more than 2,000 doctors, is looking to expand its presence in Western North Carolina with a proposed new hospital in the Asheville area. The planned Novant Health Asheville Medical Center, focusing on cancer treatment, will consist of 26 beds and will be constructed on a 24-acre site at 455 Long Shoals Road, just outside the southwestern border of Asheville.

Expanding Footprint

Novant Health also intends to lease the former Gold’s Gym location at 1815 Hendersonville Road in Asheville to establish a “multispecialty medical office building,” according to a spokesperson.

Competitive Process

Novant is the second applicant seeking to build a single 26-bed facility in the area through the state’s competitive Certificate of Need process. The process aims to regulate and restrict the addition of new health care services and facilities to control costs and avoid unnecessary duplication.

Healthcare Market Competition

The move by Novant and other health organizations to secure a larger share of the Western North Carolina healthcare market comes amidst challenges faced by Mission Health, the region’s primary provider. Federal sanctions, a unionized nursing staff, and a state lawsuit have presented obstacles for Mission Health following its acquisition by HCA in 2019.

Commitment to WNC

Novant President and CEO expressed the nonprofit’s dedication to Western North Carolina and emphasized the organization’s commitment to bringing high-quality care and innovation to the region. Novant already operates a facility in South Asheville, Novant Health Surgical Partners – Biltmore, which provides specialty surgical services including surgical oncology.

Focus on Cancer Care

The proposed Novant Health Asheville Medical Center will leverage resources from the Novant Health Cancer Institute, offering comprehensive cancer treatment services with a patient-centric approach. The facility aims to provide care for over 100 different types of cancer with a focus on physical and emotional well-being.

Certificate of Need Process

To proceed with the construction of the Asheville hospital, Novant will need to secure a Certificate of Need through the competitive process. The nonprofit remains committed to enhancing access to specialty healthcare services in Western North Carolina.

Future Plans

While both Novant and another organization have applied to build 26-bed facilities in the area, Mission Health/HCA, the region’s main provider, has not disclosed its intentions. The expansion of healthcare services in Western North Carolina reflects a growing demand for advanced medical care in the region.