WNC -- January 20, 2026: Efforts to expand healthcare accessibility in Western North Carolina are underway, though recent attention has focused on competition among providers for acute care hospital beds rather than expansions of urgent care services.
Mission Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare, is competing with AdventHealth, Novant Health, and UNC Health West Medical Center to add hospital beds in the region. These efforts are part of North Carolina's Certificate of Need (CON) process, guided by the 2025 State Medical Facilities Plan.
Certificate of Need Applications
Each of the four healthcare providers has submitted proposals to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) for additional acute care beds. Mission seeks to add 129 beds to its Asheville facility. AdventHealth has proposed expanding its Weaverville hospital by 129 beds. UNC Health West is planning a new 129-bed hospital in Asheville, and Novant Health intends to build a 34-bed hospital in Arden.
A public hearing took place in December 2025, where each organization presented its case. Mission argued it is best suited to handle complex care needs as the region's Level I Trauma Center, operating near full capacity. AdventHealth emphasized its proximity to communities like Madison County. Other community members voiced support for increased competition to improve costs and quality of care.
AdventHealth previously received approval for 67 beds in Weaverville. Mission challenged this approval, but the North Carolina Court of Appeals upheld the decision, and the Supreme Court declined to review the case.
The NCDHHS will decide on the CON applications. If approved, construction timelines could extend into 2030 or 2031.
The outcomes of these decisions will significantly shape the healthcare landscape in Western North Carolina. Community members have expressed interest in improved access, affordability, and quality of care.
WNCTimes