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Council members urge coordination with county after concerns raised about Novant hospital ratings
Summary
Councilmembers discussed drafting a statement or asking Novant for a plan to address recent service downgrades. They agreed to coordinate with New Hanover County and other regional officials before taking independent council action.
Several councilmembers raised concerns about recent downgrades at Novant Health facilities that provide regional trauma and acute care, and asked how the town should respond.
Councilmember Veronica Carter recounted a recent presentation and said she remains concerned about staffing and pay disparities she heard from local nurses. “That is our hospital. That's our major trauma hospital,” Carter said, urging officials to press Novant for a public plan to improve services.
Councilmembers discussed options including inviting Novant officials to present to local governments, drafting a letter, or coordinating actions with New Hanover County and neighboring municipalities. Several members said they preferred to coordinate with county officials first rather than launching a standalone town resolution. Staff and other managers agreed to reach out to their counterparts in the county and nearby cities to determine whether coordinated action or communication with Novant is already planned.
A town staff member at the dais suggested contacting county commissioners and Wilmington officials to learn if they have plans to engage Novant. Councilmembers noted one local physician had previously presented to the council without receiving a response from Novant.
No formal motion was made; councilmembers asked staff to check with county officials and report back.
