Martin General Hospital Set to Transform into First Rural Emergency Hospital in North Carolina
WILLIAMSTON, NC—After nearly two years of inactivity, Martin General Hospital is poised for a significant transformation into North Carolina’s first Rural Emergency Hospital (REH). This initiative aims to address the critical healthcare gaps in Martin County and the broader Eastern North Carolina region.
The potential reopening, anticipated to be managed by Eastern Carolina University Health, depends on a public hearing scheduled for June 4 before the Martin County Board of Commissioners. The facility’s return would restore essential medical services in a health care desert that has seen a decline in access for local residents.
Deeonna Farr, an assistant professor at the ECU College of Health, emphasized, “Reopening this facility, in an area without coverage, is huge.” However, it’s important to note that REHs focus solely on emergency and outpatient services, meaning residents requiring inpatient care will still need to travel to the nearest full-service hospital, located 30 minutes away.
This new designation, introduced by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2021, aims to support struggling hospitals by providing them with a $3 million annual subsidy and favorable reimbursement rates. Since January 2023, 38 hospitals across the country have adopted this model, showcasing its growing relevance.
As Martin County faces unique challenges due to its small population and limited healthcare options, the proposal also involves seeking state investments to enhance inpatient capacity at ECU Health Beaufort. Despite anticipated renovations to the aging hospital facility being a concern, local leaders view the REH as a crucial step forward in the region’s healthcare landscape.
Health officials, educators, and county commissioners are optimistic about the REH’s potential to not only meet local healthcare needs but also to lay the groundwork for a fully operational hospital in the future.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
