Wilmington, N.C.-based New Hanover Regional Medical Center plans to relocate 68 beds from the current NHRMCOrthopedicHospital to a new orthopedic and spine hospital it plans to build above its surgical pavilion on the main campus, according to WWAYTV.
The project would cost $87 million.
HRMC filed a certificate of need with the state June 15 to build the new patient tower. Hospital representatives say it will give the orthopedic team and their patients easier access to resources and support offered by the hospital.
According to hospital officials, the current Orthopedic Hospital is in need of extensive updating. The surgical pavilion is an ideal place to build a new center because it was designed to allow for upward expansion.
If the CON is approved, construction on the new orthopedics and spine hospital could begin as early as 2017, with completion expected within three to five years, according to the report.