Greenville, N.C.-based ECU Health outlined a $220 million capital proposal during a June 4 public hearing, which includes plans to reopen a shuttered facility as North Carolina’s first rural emergency hospital and expand its Beaufort campus.
The health system signed a nonbinding proposal with Martin County (N.C.) in mid-May to convert the former Martin General Hospital in Williamston, N.C., into a rural emergency hospital. The 49-bed hospital closed in August 2023 after it sought Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection.
While the initial reopening would use Martin General’s existing facility, ECU Health said it would seek $70 million in state funding to build a permanent facility with space to add more outpatient services.
The nonprofit system is also requesting $150 million to expand inpatient capacity at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital in Washington, N.C.
The Martin County Board of Commissioners is currently reviewing the proposal and public input to determine next steps, according to a June 5 news release.
