North Carolina Construction News staff writer
CaroMont Health plans to spend $200 million to expand oncology services, marking the second-largest investment in the system’s history and aiming to meet growing demand for cancer care in the region.
“We are honored to help bring this vision to life and to build something that will make a lasting difference for the communities it serves,” Rodgers Builders said in a social media post.
The expansion follows recent projects including a hospital campus in Belmont and a tower addition at CaroMont Regional Medical Center. Cancer remains a leading cause of death in Gaston County, with incidence rates continuing to rise. CaroMont Health’s cancer programs currently treat more than 1,500 patients annually across five counties and two states.
“Our community deserves world-class cancer care, and this investment is our commitment to making that a reality,” said Chris Peek, president and CEO.
The plan includes three major components: a new hematology and oncology physician office in Belmont; a 125,000-square-foot cancer center in Gastonia; and a radiation therapy center in Belmont that would expand treatment capacity by more than 30%, pending state approval.
The Gastonia facility will consolidate cancer services under one roof, with the goal of improving coordination of care and patient experience. The Belmont physician office is expected to open in June.
The investment is projected to double CaroMont Health’s oncology capacity to about 3,000 new cancer cases annually, positioning the system to serve as a regional hub for community-based cancer care.
“This investment is fundamentally about our patients,” said Dr. Todd Davis, chief physician executive. “It allows us to enhance every dimension of the care experience.”
Additional details, including construction timelines for the cancer and radiation therapy centers, are expected to be released in the coming months.