The nature of rural health care delivery has changed dramatically in recent years. As our population changes, technologies and treatments improve, regulations and legislation continue to evolve, models of care that once were commonplace are no longer appropriate or sustainable. We are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of eastern North Carolina.

In 2011, Vidant assumed the operation of the Pungo Hospital in Belhaven. The hospital was struggling. It was built in 1949 and was deteriorating. Most of the patients coming to the hospital were in need of primary care rather than emergency care. The community needed a new model of care to continue to meet their needs. As a result, we are well underway with the construction of a new, state-of-the art, $5.5 million facility that will integrate primary care, 24-hours a day, seven-days-a-week with ambulatory services and helicopter transport. The new facility will open in the summer of 2016. During the construction phase, we have continued to provide 24/7 access to health care in Belhaven and the surrounding communities with our primary care practices. In fact, we treat more than 100 patients every day in this community. With our new facility, our integrated electronic health record system and outstanding providers, we will continue to meet the needs of patients in Belhaven.

This model, and others being developed across the country, is proven to deliver the highest quality care, as well as attract and retain top quality medical talent to rural areas that struggle to recruit medical professionals to live and work in these communities. Vidant will also expand other health initiatives including health coaches, transition in care, tele-health and faith-based programs to help people stay healthier.

Vidant Health has been serving the health care needs of eastern North Carolina for decades. During that time, we have led efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of the patients and communities we serve. That said, this is not the time to focus on the past. This is the time to focus on how we can work together with partners like the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.

In order to fulfill our mission, we must be innovative in our approach to pursuing excellence in health care. Vidant is pursuing our vision of becoming the national model for rural health and wellness by creating a premier, trusted health care delivery and education system.

Progress toward that vision is already underway. We are making investments across the region to provide access to quality health care — close to home. For example, in the past year we have invested more than $38 million in medical equipment, improved information technology and infrastructure to provide better access to services for patients and the communities we serve.

As cancer is the number one killer of eastern North Carolinians, we are building a state-of-the art cancer center in Greenville. In Washington, a new linear accelerator at the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center at Vidant Beaufort Hospital now provides cancer patients more effective and quicker treatment. This device allows patients to receive treatment in their local community.

 

We will continue to work with innovative partners in our communities like Rev. Richard Joyner from Conetoe. He partnered with Vidant Edgecombe Hospital and the Vidant Health Foundation to launch a program that addresses the mental, physical and economic health of his church members. As a result, health risks are down 50 percent, emergency department use is down 40 percent and students’ high school graduation rates have grown from 50 percent to 80 percent.

Health care and Vidant continue to evolve — from working to heal the sickest patients, to developing wellness and preventative care initiatives to help people live longer, healthier lives.

Vidant is well-positioned for continued success as we care for our family members, friends and neighbors who proudly call this part of the state home.

Dr. Mike Waldrum is the CEO of Vidant Health and a distinguished professor of internal medicine pulmonary and critical care at East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine.