Wayne Commissioners Approve Agreement Clearing Path For $675 Million Healthcare Investment

Hospital Board Must Still Approve Proposal That Includes Trauma Center Expansion And Major Capital Improvements

GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Wayne County commissioners have approved an agreement that could bring more than $675 million in healthcare investments to Wayne County over the next 15 years, a move local leaders say will strengthen medical services, support economic growth, and secure the long-term future of UNC Health Wayne.

The agreement, approved by the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, authorizes moving forward with plans to fully integrate UNC Health Wayne into the UNC Health system. The proposal must still receive approval from the UNC Health Wayne Board before the transaction can be finalized.

County officials said the agreement is the result of more than a year of negotiations involving Wayne County, UNC Health, Wayne Health Corporation, and hospital leadership.

If completed, UNC Health has committed to investing at least $675 million over the next 15 years in healthcare services, facilities, technology, physician recruitment, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements.

Officials said the investment would support modernization of the hospital campus, expansion of specialty care services, and development of higher-acuity medical services closer to home for Wayne County residents.

One of the most significant components of the plan is the goal of developing UNC Health Wayne into a Level III Trauma Center while exploring the possibility of eventually achieving Level II designation. The expansion would allow more patients requiring advanced emergency care to receive treatment locally rather than being transferred to larger medical centers outside the county.

The agreement also calls for expanded outpatient and specialty care services, workforce development initiatives, and creation of a regional healthcare strategy designed to position UNC Health Wayne as a referral hub serving eastern North Carolina.

Wayne County Board Chairman Joe Daughtery described the agreement as the culmination of months of work by numerous local and state leaders.

“This has been more than a year in the making, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” Daughtery said. “Everyone came to the table with one goal: making sure our community hospital remains a strong and lasting asset for the people of Wayne County.”

Daughtery credited UNC Health, Wayne Health Corporation, fellow commissioners, State Rep. John Bell, county staff, and others involved in the negotiations.

“I want to thank UNC Health, Wayne Health Corporation, my fellow commissioners, Representative John Bell, county staff, and everyone involved in these negotiations for their commitment and collaboration,” Daughtery said.

Hospital officials emphasized that residents are unlikely to notice major operational changes because UNC Health has managed the facility since 2015. However, county leaders say the long-term financial commitment will provide opportunities for expanded services and future growth.

“Residents won’t notice much change since the hospital is already operated by UNC Health, but this agreement is a tremendous win for our county for years to come,” Daughtery said.

Wayne Memorial Hospital was originally operated by Wayne County until 1985, when ownership was transferred to Wayne Health Corporation with the requirement that it continue serving as a community hospital. UNC Health assumed operation of the hospital in 2015 while Wayne Health Corporation retained ownership.

Under the proposed agreement, UNC Health Wayne would become a permanent part of the UNC Health system while maintaining local representation and oversight.

The agreement provides for continued local involvement through the hospital board. Wayne County commissioners will retain the authority to appoint a member to the board, and more than half of the board members will be Wayne County residents.

UNC Health will also provide annual reports to county leaders and a newly created foundation established by the county. Officials said the foundation will direct a portion of future funding toward improving access to affordable healthcare for Wayne County residents.

County leaders also highlighted the anticipated economic impact of the investment. In addition to healthcare improvements, the plan is expected to support physician recruitment, workforce training, capital projects, job creation, and additional economic activity throughout the region.

The proposal now advances to the UNC Health Wayne Board for consideration. If approved, UNC Health will move forward with implementation of the 15-year regionalization plan and begin work on the long-term investments outlined in the agreement.