Novant Health Unveils Extensive Plans to Expand Access to Care in Brunswick County

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is experiencing unprecedented growth, with a 24% population increase between 2020 and 2024. In response, Novant Health has announced comprehensive plans to enhance healthcare access across the region. ([osbm.nc.gov](https://www.osbm.nc.gov/blog/2025/09/26/brunswick-county-fastest-growing-county-north-carolina?utm_source=openai))

Central to these initiatives is the proposed Novant Health Leland Medical Center, a 20-bed hospital slated for construction near the Compass Pointe community along U.S. 74/76. The facility will feature a 24/7 emergency department, imaging services, 10 observation beds, and five procedure rooms. ([novanthealth.org](https://www.novanthealth.org/newsroom/novant-health-unveils-extensive-plans-to-expand-access-to-care-across-brunswick-county?utm_source=openai))

In southern Brunswick County, plans are underway for a freestanding emergency department near U.S. 17 in Carolina Shores. This development aims to reduce travel times for emergency care, addressing the challenges posed by the county's expansive geography. ([novanthealth.org](https://www.novanthealth.org/newsroom/novant-health-unveils-extensive-plans-to-expand-access-to-care-across-brunswick-county?utm_source=openai))

Enhancements are also planned for the Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center in Bolivia. Upcoming additions include an expanded MRI facility and a new cardiac catheterization lab, enabling residents to receive advanced cardiac procedures without leaving the county. ([novanthealth.org](https://www.novanthealth.org/newsroom/novant-health-unveils-extensive-plans-to-expand-access-to-care-across-brunswick-county?utm_source=openai))

Complementing these projects is the ongoing construction of a 16,000-square-foot ambulatory surgery center in Leland. Located at 9151 Ocean Highway East, this center will house two operating rooms and two procedure rooms, effectively doubling the county's surgical capacity. ([novanthealth.org](https://www.novanthealth.org/newsroom/releases-20250429?utm_source=openai))

Ernie Bovio, president of the Novant Health Coastal Region, emphasized the organization's commitment: "Our strategic efforts are designed to expand access to care close to home to meet the current and future care needs of this community." ([novanthealth.org](https://www.novanthealth.org/newsroom/novant-health-unveils-extensive-plans-to-expand-access-to-care-across-brunswick-county?utm_source=openai))

Laurie Whalin, president of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, highlighted the importance of these expansions: "Brunswick County is one of the largest counties in the state by land area. Our existing inpatient and emergency care is concentrated in the middle of the county, so we're focused on extending care options to better serve population centers throughout the county." ([novanthealth.org](https://www.novanthealth.org/newsroom/novant-health-unveils-extensive-plans-to-expand-access-to-care-across-brunswick-county?utm_source=openai))

These developments are part of Novant Health's broader strategy to address the healthcare needs of Brunswick County's rapidly growing population, ensuring residents have timely and convenient access to essential medical services.