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rom expanding spaces to training more workers, the local health care industry continues to grow even as providers continue to navigate the COVID pandemic. BY VICKY JANOWSKI
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NHRMC is working on medical facilities to increase capacity. Site work is expected to start in late summer or fall on a 66-bed hospital in the Scotts Hill area, according to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center representatives. The $210 million acute care facility is being built to serve northern New Hanover County and southern Pender County residents. It will be at the site of NHRMC Emergency DepartmentNorth, a free-standing emergency department and surgical center at 151 Scotts Hill Medical Drive. The health system also is moving ahead with plans for two proposed Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinics in Wilmington. The clinics are intended to address care for underserved communities and are being funded by $10 million donated by Jordan. The first site, at 1410 S. 15th St., is expected to open to patients next summer. A second to-be-determined site is expected to start seeing patients in 2024, hospital officials said.
Amidst a nationwide physician and nurse shortage, the area’s higher education institutions are focusing on training more providers in the health care industry. In recent years, the University of North Carolina Wilmington has started degree programs in respiratory therapy for undergraduates and a doctoral degree in nursing practice. And this fall, the university will launch a Ph.D. program in pharmaceutical chemistry. “New innovations flowing from advanced faculty and student research will have the potential to spark creation of industry opportunities across the state, nation and even internationally,” said Jeremy Morgan, professor and incoming chair for the school’s chemistry and biochemistry department. At Cape Fear Community College, new health-related programs include a medical lab technology training program starting this fall and a community paramedicine course launching this month in partnership with Novant Health.
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