WEAVERVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW.com) — AdventHealth finally has settled on a site in Weaverville as the home to its new multispecialty hospital, ending a two-year long search that included lobbying by multiple communities.
AdventHealth announced early Monday evening that the chosen site is located off U.S. Highway 25/70, west of Interstate 26.
“The new location is strategically positioned to make it easier for people throughout the service area to get care in a convenient location,” the company stated in a release.
The state-designated service area, defined under a Certificate of Need (CON) application process in 2022, gave AdventHealth approval for a new hospital serving the counties of Buncombe, Graham, Madison and Yancey Counties.
At one point, land in Candler appeared to be the leading choice.
“However, after we completed due diligence, we found it was not a suitable site for our hospital,” said Victoria Dunkle, Director of Communications and Public Relations for AdventHealth Hendersonville.
After state approval for AdventHealth’s application in November 2002, HCA/Mission Health appealed, leading to a trial in late 2023. An administrative judge’s decision is pending, expected within weeks. In the meantime, AdventHealth is moving forward.
“We are confident in the State’s decision to award AdventHealth Asheville the CON for the new hospital,” said Brandon Nudd, President and Chief Executive Officer for AdventHealth Hendersonville. “With the purchase of the property in Weaverville, we are ready to move forward building this hospital.”
Weaverville Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons welcomed the news, saying “very much needed health care services are on their way” to the area.