SMITHFIELD – UNC Health Johnston announced Thursday it has won approval from the state to add 12 beds at its hospital in Clayton. In August, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services approved the hospital’s Certificate of Need application for 12 new beds in Smithfield but denied the Clayton application. The health care system appealed the decision.
Tom Williams, CEO and president of UNC Health Johnston, says the health care system reached a settlement after satisfactorily answering the state’s questions.
“We are eager to begin these expansion projects to improve access and much-needed care closer to home for residents of Johnston County and surrounding areas,” he said.
Right away, Williams plans to present financing proposals to the hospital board in October.
“Once we get their approval, we’ll initiate requests for proposals for architects and general contractors to bid on the projects,” he says. “Once they have been selected, we will initiate drawings, planning and permitting.”
If all goes according to plan, Williams says construction for the three-story addition to the Clayton hospital could begin by fall of next year. Once that project is complete, in about two years, renovations will start in Smithfield for the 12 additional beds.
