News Summary
ECU Health has proposed a $220 million investment to enhance healthcare services in Martin County, including transforming the defunct Martin General Hospital into a rural emergency hospital. The plan aims to improve community health access by reopening the hospital and expanding services at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital. The proposal is currently under review by the Martin County Board of Commissioners, with a public hearing scheduled for community feedback.
Williamston, N.C. – ECU Health, a nonprofit health system based in Greenville, has put forth a substantial capital proposal worth $220 million aimed at revitalizing healthcare services in the region. The plan includes the establishment of a new hospital in Williamston and the expansion of the hospital campus in Beaufort, South Carolina, to better meet the healthcare needs of local communities.
The proposal outlines a plan to transform the defunct Martin General Hospital in Williamston into a rural emergency hospital. Martin General Hospital, which had served the community for over 50 years, ceased operations in August 2023 due to financial difficulties. Initially, the reopening of the hospital is expected to utilize the existing Martin General facility as a temporary solution, with the goal of it serving as a fully operational emergency hospital by August 2028.
On top of reorganizing the Williamston facility, ECU Health is requesting $70 million in state funding for the construction of a permanent facility that would provide additional outpatient services. This move aims to bolster healthcare access for residents in Martin County, where the need for medical services has increased in recent years.
Additionally, the capital proposal includes plans to invest $150 million into expanding inpatient capacity at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital located in Washington, N.C. This expansion aligns with the health system’s commitment to improve healthcare delivery and ensure that both inpatient and outpatient facilities meet modern medical standards.
Currently, the capital proposal is under review by the Martin County Board of Commissioners, who had previously issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the operation of emergency medical services at the former Martin General Hospital site. A public hearing regarding this proposal is set for June 4, 2025, at the Martin County Governmental Center, allowing community members an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns.
The establishment of North Carolina’s first Rural Emergency Hospital is a notable highlight of the proposal. It aims to create a high-acuity outpatient delivery model specifically tailored to address the healthcare needs of the Martin County area. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and modernization of healthcare facilities in the region.
To ensure the success of this ambitious plan, ECU Health is also implementing contingencies for state financial support. This approach is critical in building a robust healthcare model that is not only sustainable but also capable of adapting to the evolving health challenges faced by the community.
Leaders within the Martin County Board of Commissioners, including the Chair, have expressed optimism regarding this proposal. The board acknowledges ECU Health’s track record in revitalizing healthcare facilities and enhancing healthcare services for communities facing similar challenges. This project underscores the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers and local government to improve public health outcomes.
The proposed project represents a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure that could improve access to essential medical services and address the longstanding health disparities faced by residents in Martin County and surrounding areas. As the proposal moves through the review process, the potential impacts on local healthcare services and overall community health will be closely monitored.
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Additional Resources
- Healthcare Design Magazine
- Washington Daily News
- The Reflector
- WITN News
- The Reflector
- Wikipedia: Healthcare in the United States
- Google Search: ECU Health proposal
- Google Scholar: ECU Health
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care
- Google News: ECU Health
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
