Novant Health could be out as Pender hospital reviews provider options
Leaders in Pender County and the board of commissioners are having second thoughts about having Novant Health provide medical services next year.
Commissioner David Piepmeyer asked the county's staff to prepare a plan to have options. They would like the switch to happen before July 31, which is when the contract with Novant ends. A consultant is helping with the process.
In 2021, Novant acquired New Hanover Regional Medical Center, which operated the facility formerly known as Pender Memorial Hospital in Burgaw on Fremont Street. The partnership with county has lasted more than 20 years. Now, county officials would like to have new options to run the 86-bed facility.
Novant is expected to make a public presentation Nov. 7, according to county officials. Commissioner chair Fred McCoy said a public hearing will be held to make sure the public knows about the transition, before bringing up financial and legal matters for the process. During a previous meeting, there was talks about using Juniper Advisory, a Chicago-based company as an adviser, but the asking price was too much.
"I talked to a lot of people this weekend and last week," he said. "I haven't found anybody that thought it was a good idea to spend $850,000."
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Commissioner George Brown said he thinks it's important for the county to involve a third party to help.
"We're not experts in this role and I think It's important that we have someone to come in and help us with this part of the process," Brown said.
Vice chair Jackie Newton agreed.
"This is a generational decision, and we can't make a mistake with this, and we don't know all the ins and outs," she said. "And I have found of late that we won't have any other options if we don't have someone come in and help us get our priorities in order and help us plan for what we want for healthcare for Pender County."
Commissioner Jimmy Tate mention the county's next step is a long-term decision that will affect a lot of people and the county's revenue. Piepmeyer thanked staff members for putting together the plan and board members agreeing to hire a consultant.
"I would like to see us go back to Juniper, but we can also put it out and if we have other bodies to bid and be considered for that third party position, we should look at them," Piepmeyer said.
While talking about the process, Piepmeyer said public meeting should be held so officials can hear what the taxpayers want in a healthcare provider.
According to the timeline and overview of the process, provided by county manager David Andrews, potential healthcare providers could present proposals in January, followed by a decision to enter into a new arrangement with Novant or to form a new partnership. If approved the new arrangement will start July 1, 2023.
Novant Health issued a statement regarding "discussions with Pender County leaders on long-term future options for healthcare, including our recommended alternative to an operating agreement.
"Novant Health Pender Medical Center is an important part of the Novant Health family and guarantees rural communities have access to care close to home. Over the past 23 years, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center has provided more than $20 million in upgrades to facilities and services at Pender Medical Center. Since taking over the operating contract, Novant Health has demonstrated a commitment to continuing New Hanover’s legacy of improving care in the communities we serve."
Reporter Chase Jordan can be reached at cjjordan@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Pender hospital reviewing provider options as Novant contract nears end
