Brunswick County’s healthcare system has changed dramatically in recent years, growing from a limited rural network to a more robust set of facilities and services. This expansion mirrors both population growth and rising healthcare needs across the region.
Hospital Expansion and New Facilities
The center of Brunswick County’s healthcare growth has been the expansion of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center. What was once a small community hospital has greatly increased its size and capabilities. The center now has new specialized wings, bigger emergency services, and modern diagnostic equipment.
Brunswick Medical Center, located on Highway 17 in the heart of Brunswick County, has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the region since 1977. Over the years, the hospital has grown and evolved to meet the needs of the communities it serves. Originally established as Brunswick Community Hospital, it began as an acute care facility dedicated to providing essential medical services.
A major milestone in the hospital’s history came in 2006 when Novant Health was selected by the Brunswick County Hospital Authority to oversee healthcare services in Eastern North Carolina, officially integrating Brunswick Community Hospital into the Novant Health system. This partnership led to further expansion, and in 2011, the hospital moved into a new, state-of-the-art facility in Bolivia. This modernized space replaced the previous, smaller building in Supply, allowing for enhanced services and improved patient care.
Beyond the hospital, the county now has many more urgent care centers and specialized outpatient facilities. These new facilities are located throughout the county, making care much more accessible for people in areas that had few services before.
Specialty Care Development
One of the biggest improvements has been the arrival of specialized care options within the county. New practices in cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, and neurology have opened in the area. Now residents don’t need to go to Wilmington or beyond for specialized treatment.
The Brunswick Center for Aging offers more services to meet the needs of the area’s growing older population, including specialized geriatric care, rehabilitation services, and memory care programs.
Workforce Development
As healthcare services have expanded, so has the need for qualified healthcare workers. Local community colleges have created and grown healthcare training programs. Partnerships between schools and healthcare providers have created career paths and internships that help keep talented people in the county.
Public Health Programs
The Brunswick County Health Department has expanded its preventive care programs and community health efforts. New programs for chronic disease management, maternal health, and mental health services show a more complete approach to community health.
A Strong Case for Business Relocation
For companies thinking about moving to Brunswick County, the improved healthcare system offers major benefits. Companies often rank quality healthcare access as a top concern when choosing new locations, and Brunswick County meets this key need.
The complete healthcare system creates real benefits for employers:
- Less time off work because employees can get care quickly without long trips
- Better ability to recruit talent, especially for executive and specialized jobs where family healthcare matters greatly
- Better support for older workers through specialized care options
- Better employee wellness through easy access to preventive care
Brunswick BID: Why Brunswick Co. Makes Business Sense
When choosing where to grow your business, the strength of local healthcare might not be the first factor you consider—but successful companies know it should be near the top of your list.
Companies that have relocated here often share the same experience: healthier employees who miss fewer days of work. The math is simple: when your team can access care quickly and locally, minor health issues don’t become major problems. Sick days decrease, productivity rises, and your business benefits.
Looking to expand or establish your company’s facilities? Find out how Brunswick BID can help.