UNC Health Johnston Embarks on a $100 Million Expansion to Serve Johnston County's Growing Population

As dawn breaks over the picturesque landscapes of Johnston County, North Carolina, a monumental healthcare transformation is on the horizon. UNC Health Johnston, a beacon of medical excellence in Smithfield, has set in motion an ambitious plan that promises to redefine healthcare delivery in the region. With two certificate-of-need applications filed with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the hospital aims to invest over $100 million to add 24 beds across its Clayton and Smithfield campuses. This strategic expansion is not just about numbers; it's a testament to the hospital's commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of a rapidly growing population.

Expansion in Response to Growing Needs

In the heart of North Carolina, Johnston County is witnessing a population boom that brings with it the dual challenges of increased healthcare demand and the need for advanced medical facilities. Recognizing the urgency, UNC Health Johnston's expansion plan is a direct response to the 2024 State Medical Facilities Plan, which highlights the necessity for 24 additional beds in the county. The first application discloses a nearly $95 million project aimed at enhancing and expanding women's services at the Clayton campus. This includes adding 12 acute care beds, along with the relocation and consolidation of a C-section room, obstetrics beds, and neonatal beds from the Smithfield campus. The project encompasses the construction of 67,130 square feet of new space and the renovation of 18,550 square feet, symbolizing a major leap towards centralized, efficient, and high-quality women's healthcare services in Clayton.

Boosting High-acuity Patient Care

The second application sheds light on a $7.8 million investment designed to fortify the Smithfield campus's capacity to cater to more complex patients. By developing 12 more acute care beds within the existing space, UNC Health Johnston aims to enhance its resources for high-acuity patient care. This move not only addresses the immediate need for additional beds as identified by the state but also underscores the hospital's proactive approach in elevating the standard of care for Johnston County's residents. The expansion is a strategic step in ensuring that the hospital remains at the forefront of medical innovation and patient care.

A Vision for the Future

The expansion plans of UNC Health Johnston are more than just infrastructure projects; they represent a vision for a healthier future for Johnston County. With the population continuing to grow, the hospital's initiatives are timely and critical. By centralizing women's services in Clayton and increasing the capacity for high-acuity care in Smithfield, UNC Health Johnston is not just responding to the state's projections but is actively preparing to exceed them. The hospital's commitment to improving patient and physician satisfaction, operational efficiencies, and recruitment capabilities through these expansions is a clear indication of its dedication to serving the community's health needs now and in the future.

As these projects progress, UNC Health Johnston stands as a shining example of how healthcare institutions can adapt and evolve to meet the demands of a changing world. The hospital's $100 million investment in the health and well-being of Johnston County's residents is a bold statement of its mission to provide exceptional care, close to home. In doing so, UNC Health Johnston is not just expanding its facilities; it's expanding its reach, impact, and legacy in North Carolina's healthcare landscape.