Wayne County approves package to integrate Wayne Health into UNC Health, officials cite major multiyear investment

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on June 16 to approve a set of agreements allowing Wayne Health Corporation to integrate Wayne Health into the UNC Health system, county officials said during the meeting.

County attorney Andrew told commissioners the requested package included an agreement to confer third-party beneficiary rights on the county (ensuring annual reporting), termination of the 1985 transfer agreement, execution of a restrictive covenant preserving the property’s use as a community hospital, and amendments to Wayne Health Corporation’s articles and bylaws to reflect the new governance arrangements. "These steps preserve the county's reversionary interest and maintain a local voice," Andrew said during his presentation.

Dr. Tucker, speaking for hospital leadership, and Will Collins of UNC Health outlined the operational and community benefits they expect from integration. Hospital leaders said UNC Health has committed to extensive capital and program investments in the eastern region, with a presentation figure of "at least $675 million" over 15 years to modernize facilities, support workforce development, expand service lines and pursue a level III trauma designation (with further study of level II). "This is one of the most significant investments in our community in decades," Dr. Tucker said, adding it should reduce transfers and bring higher-acuity care closer to home.

County officials emphasized protections the county required in the deal. Andrew said the restrictive covenant will require the property to be operated as a community hospital and preserve the county’s reversionary interest if hospital operations cease. The county will retain one appointment to the hospital’s governing board, and the integration documents require that more than half of certain hospital board seats be filled by Wayne County residents during the 15‑year investment period, with remaining seats filled by residents of the eastern region.

A commissioner moved the package — to approve the third‑party beneficiary agreement, terminate the 1985 transfer agreement effective July 1, 2026, authorize recording the restrictive covenant, and approve the amended articles and bylaws — and the board voted unanimously to approve the motion.

Hospital officials and commissioners said next steps include the hospital board’s own vote (scheduled later in the week) and final legal closings; county counsel indicated the parties aim for execution by July 1. Legal counsel and hospital leadership said an annual reporting regime will allow local leaders and the public to track UNC Health’s progress on the commitments.

Why it matters: Commissioners framed the action as preserving local hospital services and strengthening regional health care capacity. If the commitments are realized, the county expects expanded local specialty services, more consistent interventional cardiac coverage and an upgraded emergency capability that could reduce the number of patients flown to other facilities.

The board’s action was procedural concurrence — the transaction was negotiated between Wayne Health Corporation and UNC Health, and the county’s vote provides the formal approvals the integration requires because of the county’s historic reversionary interest in the property.

The hospital integration motion and vote were recorded in open session; the vote result was unanimous. The hospital board is expected to consider its approval shortly after the county’s action.