Belhaven needs a long-term, sustainable health care solution today and for generations to come. Vidant Health is committed to being a part of that solution.

Since June, Vidant Health has provided 24/7 care, and expanded services, at one of our family medicine practices in Belhaven. At the same time, we have been working to develop a new $4.2 million, 12,000 square-foot, 24/7 health care facility with helicopter access to serve Belhaven and the surrounding communities. This new facility represents a state-of-the art approach to delivering the care needed in these communities, while providing access to treatment and support for the sickest and most serious patients at Level 1 trauma centers and surrounding hospitals.

On October 22, 2014 Vidant Health attended a scheduled hearing with the town of Belhaven Board of Adjustment in hopes of having the previously-issued building permit for the new facility restored. Vidant came prepared to present the site’s zoning, show plans and designs for the new facility, and allow our facility planner and architect to answer questions.

However, members of the town’s Board of Adjustment seemed confused as to the purpose of the hearing and decided to postpone it. The next hearing is scheduled for November 5, 2014. Vidant will be prepared again on that date for what we hope to be the fair and open discussion, as we were expecting on October 22.

We are disappointed that town officials continue to delay the construction of this new facility, as we have been disappointed that the many attempts Vidant and others have made to assist with the transition of the former Pungo Hospital to the town have been rejected or ignored. With each new obstacle the town creates, the community is forced to wait longer for a modern, sustainable place to receive the care they need and deserve.

We ask that the town, and the Mayor, put the needs of people in Belhaven ahead of politics, and allow Vidant to build the new facility, and continue serving this wonderful community.

 

 

Roger A. Robertson

President, Vidant Community Hospitals