Health Care Update: Will Winston-Salem Welcome a New Hospital?

Recently, North Carolina’s health planners signaled the potential for a new hospital entrant in Charlotte, and, as of now, the stage may be set for another hospital opportunity, this one in the Winston-Salem area.  As currently proposed, the Draft 2020 State Plan is primed to announce a Need Determination for both acute care beds and operating rooms in Forsyth County, allowing a new hospital player to apply for CON approval to develop a facility in a market long dominated by two major hospital systems.  With Forsyth County’s borders extending across not only Winston-Salem, but also into Clemmons and Kernersville, opportunities for a hospital location in the County are numerous.  High Point, North Carolina’s only city extending into four counties, lies partially within Forsyth County.  The Draft 2020 Plan indicates a need for 68 new acute care beds and 2 new operating rooms in Forsyth County.  The Plan will be considered through the summer planning process and ultimately presented for the Governor’s review and approval near year-end.  Once finalized, the Plan will identify the deadlines for the submission of CON Applications proposing beds and operating rooms in Mecklenburg and Forsyth Counties.