The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center took place on Friday, September 21, 2018. The place was a welcoming site, tastefully decorated for the event, with purple garlands, balloons and ribbons adorning every entrance. 
Conveniently located at 8201 Healthcare Loop, off Albemarle Rd and I- 485, the new state-of the-art healthcare facility is rather large ( 145,000 square-foot), including a 46-bed community hospital, with twenty-four medical-surgical beds, eight labor/delivery/recovery/postpartum beds, four intensive care unit beds and a 16-bay emergency department. Attached is another 67,000-square-foot physician’s plaza dedicated to outpatient services.
The event started with a welcome word from Andy Mueller, MD, senior vice president, Novant Health.
Remarks were presented by Ted Biggers, the mayor of Mint Hill, Buddy McKeen, Project manager at Vannoy Construction, Joy Greear, president and COO, Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center; Chris Chandler, MD and chief of staff, Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center, Carl Armato, CEO and president at Novant Health.
President Joy Greear introduced the new facility and the people that worked tirelessly to build such a place “designed to reduce the anxiety of patients and families” in time of need. She explained it was “ designed with assistance and input from the front line team members who gave functional expertise. It was designed to help cut seconds and sometimes minutes off of our response to patients’ needs. Over 300 original pieces of artwork (paintings and photos) are covering the building’s walls, all from artists within 15 miles of MHMC, being truly an expression of local art.
The Historical society has provided artifacts and indications of the history and founding of MHMC.” There is a loaned doctor’s buggy placed in the front-lobby, two glass-cases with medical-relics, and, before you get to the café, a whole wall with pictures depicting the past and present.
Joy Greear talked about the purpose of the garden, “designed to reduce the stress and anxiety, and providing healing also to our caregivers.” She also shared with the audience a personal motivation for creating this amazing healthcare place. Her father, “who recently passed away, was a hardworking person, and loved fixing things, and he passed this on to me. Many decisions that were made for this hospital were made for my dad. While I miss him, he has the best seat in the house today.”
Chris Chandler stated that many “important bonds” will be made here; “it is a place for new life and healing to begin. We are fully invested in each other in the community and most of all, in our patients. We are honored to serve our community.”
Carl Armato, CEO of Novant Health, expressed his content for the work and dedication of many people that participated on building this facility; he pointed out that Joy Greears dedication to this project is part of who she is “always under-promises and over-delivers.’ He continued: “Thank you to the architects and contractors; they build and understand what goes on within the walls. Novant Health is about remarkable care and compassion we show to everyone, regardless the ability to pay.”
The blessing of the building was offered by Ophelia Garmon-Brown, MD, senior vice president at Novant Health. She stated that “the greatest gift is the opportunity to take care of life. Life is too precious, and you got to get it right. It is your lives we are impacting, and we take that very seriously.” She also mentioned that although she used gospel readings, the hospital honors all different faiths.
Following the ribbon cutting was the reception and hospital tour. Happy and eager to serve, doctors, nurses and various hospital staff, beaming with pride, offered the tours and explained where and how this state of the art facility will contribute to a healthier community.
Jamaal Williams, BS, CNMT gave me a tour of radiology department, laboratory, and CT scan room, all located on the first floor. I met anesthesiologist Tonia Rouse, CRNA, MS, in the OR where she explained the use of new technology.
She was very excited for the new beginning, and guided me to the post-anesthesia unit, and ICU. Third floor has the labor and delivery (LDRP) rooms, and the therapy and rehabilitation rooms and gym.
Around the corner from the main entrance is the emergency room; walking distance from there is the helipad for Novant Health Med Flight helicopter, also ready to serve.
