In response to increasing demands on Buncombe County’s healthcare infrastructure, state authorities have arranged a public forum in Asheville to discuss the expansion plans of four major hospital systems.
Mission Hospital, AdventHealth, Novant Health, and UNC Health Pardee are each seeking state approval to increase their bed capacities, a decision that could significantly impact the local healthcare market.
A total of 129 beds will be distributed through North Carolina’s Certificate of Need process, influencing whether the region will experience enhanced competition or a trend towards healthcare consolidation.
The community is invited to participate in a public hearing scheduled for next month to gain insights into these expansion projects and share their perspectives.
Recently, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provided further information on each hospital’s proposal:
- UNC Health West Medical Center Inc plans to establish a new facility in Asheville with 129 acute care beds, costing $711.1 million, anticipated for completion by July 2031.
- Novant Health Asheville Medical Center LLC and Novant Health Inc aim to construct a hospital in Arden with 34 acute care beds, at a projected cost of $322.2 million, ready by January 2030.
- AdventHealth Asheville Inc, alongside Adventist Health System Sunbelt Healthcare Corporation, proposes expanding its Weaverville location to 222 acute care beds, with 129 being new additions, at $253.7 million, expected by January 2030.
- MH Mission Hospital LLLP seeks to add 129 beds to its existing Asheville facility, totaling 862 beds, at a cost of $198.5 million, with a target completion in January 2031.
The public hearing is set for Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. at A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium. Residents may also submit written feedback via email to DHSR.CON.Comments@dhhs.nc.gov or through postal mail addressed to:
Healthcare Planning and Certificate of Need Section
Division of Health Service Regulation
2704 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2704
The deadline for written comments is Dec. 1.
