SMITHFIELD — After an appeal, UNC Health Johnston has won approval from the state to add 12 beds at its hospital in Clayton.
In August, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services approved the hospital’s application for 12 new beds in Smithfield but denied its Clayton application. The health care system appealed the decision.
Through that appeal, the health care system satisfactorily answered the state’s questions about a Clayton expansion, said Tom Williams, CEO and president of UNC Health Johnston.
“We are eager to begin these expansion projects to improve access and much-needed care closer to home for residents of Johnston County and surrounding areas,” he said.
Right away, Williams plans to present financing proposals to the hospital board in October. “Once we get their approval, we’ll initiate requests for proposals for architects and general contractors to bid on the projects,” he said. “Once they have been selected, we will initiate drawings, planning and permitting.”
If all goes according to plan, construction for the three-story addition to the Clayton hospital will begin by fall of next year, Williams said. Once that project is complete, in about two years, renovations will start in Smithfield for the 12 additional beds.