Durham Reporter

Duke Health has announced its plans to acquire Lake Norman Regional Medical Center (LNRMC) and associated businesses in Mooresville, North Carolina. The acquisition will be from subsidiaries of Community Health Systems, Inc., with the deal expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.

Craig Albanese, CEO of Duke University Health System (DUHS), commented on the evolving healthcare landscape: “We recognize the health care landscape is changing,” he said. “While we continue to expand access to care within the communities we serve, it’s also time to do more and deliver care to more people – in more communities. We want to bring access to all that Duke Health has to offer to the Lake Norman community.”

The acquisition involves a 123-bed acute-care hospital, marking a significant expansion for Duke Health beyond the Triangle area. Transition planning activities are underway to ensure patients maintain seamless access to their LNRMC providers and facilities.

LNRMC offers various services including emergency care, labor and delivery services, cardiology, surgical and orthopedic care, as well as an outpatient imaging center. The medical center's employees and community physicians will remain integral parts of the new organization.

Richard Shannon, DUHS senior vice president and chief medical officer, emphasized the importance of providers and team members: “We know providers and team members are key to the success of any health system,” he stated. “We are eager to support LNRMC providers and employees in their mission to deliver exceptional care and an exceptional patient experience.”

Duke Health aims to improve regional health outcomes by advancing clinical care and expanding its impact through education and partnerships with communities. Shannon added: “We will further the Duke Health mission by meeting the evolving health needs of every community we serve in a compassionate, collaborative and cost-effective manner.”

Albanese also highlighted LNRMC's history: “Our primary focus is on the well-being of our patients and the community,” he said. “LNRMC has a long history as a highly successful medical center, which we look forward to learning from as we develop relationships with team members, providers and the community and work together to serve Iredell County.”

Kaufman Hall served as Duke Health's exclusive financial advisor for this transaction, which remains subject to regulatory approvals.

For more information about this development, visit https://www.dukehealth.org/lakenorman.