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Wilmington, North Carolina, a scenic coastal city known for its historic charm and vibrant lifestyle, also stands out as a regional center for healthcare in southeastern North Carolina. As the largest city in the Cape Fear region, Wilmington is home to a variety of hospitals, medical centers, and specialized clinics that provide comprehensive, compassionate, and high-quality care to its growing population.
From acute care hospitals to specialty cancer centers, Wilmington’s healthcare system balances cutting-edge technology with community-focused service. Whether you’re a local resident, a retiree relocating to the coast, or a tourist needing emergency treatment, the city offers top-tier medical facilities to meet your needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the major hospitals and healthcare institutions in Wilmington, NC—what they offer, what makes them exceptional, and how they contribute to a healthier community.
Wilmington’s Healthcare Landscape
The healthcare system in Wilmington revolves around a few core institutions, but its reach extends through a network of specialty practices, outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and academic partnerships. The city serves as a medical hub not only for New Hanover County but also for nearby counties such as Pender, Brunswick, and Columbus.
Key characteristics of Wilmington’s healthcare system include:
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Access to Level II Trauma care
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A nationally accredited cancer center
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Advanced cardiology, neurology, and orthopedic programs
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Emphasis on community health and preventive care
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A growing relationship with UNC Health and Novant Health
1. Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC)
Location: 2131 S. 17th Street, Wilmington, NC
Type: Nonprofit, Acute Care Hospital
Affiliation: Novant Health
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center is the largest hospital in southeastern North Carolina and the centerpiece of Wilmington’s healthcare system. Originally established in 1967, it became part of the Novant Health network in 2021. This full-service, 800+ bed facility serves as a regional referral center and provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services.
Key Services:
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Level II Trauma Center
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Cardiac and Vascular Institute
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Comprehensive Stroke Center
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Cancer Services through the Zimmer Cancer Center
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Women’s and Children’s Health
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Behavioral Health Hospital (Cape Fear Clinic)
Why It Stands Out:
NHRMC has been repeatedly ranked among the best hospitals in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital is also Magnet recognized for nursing excellence, indicating its high standards in patient care and clinical outcomes. Its trauma and stroke centers are lifelines for emergencies across the region.
2. Zimmer Cancer Center (at NHRMC)
Location: 2131 S. 17th Street, Wilmington, NC (within NHRMC)
Type: Specialty Cancer Center
Accreditation: Commission on Cancer (CoC)
Zimmer Cancer Center, part of NHRMC, is a nationally accredited cancer treatment center offering coordinated, multidisciplinary cancer care. It provides state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.
Services Offered:
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Medical and Radiation Oncology
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Genetic Counseling and Risk Assessment
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Cancer Clinical Trials
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Palliative and Supportive Care
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Survivorship Programs
Why It Stands Out:
Zimmer offers a comprehensive, team-based approach to oncology, with board-certified specialists, oncology nurses, and patient navigators working together. It’s a critical resource for patients throughout southeastern North Carolina who seek personalized, high-quality cancer treatment close to home.
3. Novant Health Orthopedic Hospital
Location: 5301 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, NC
Type: Specialty Hospital
Novant Health Orthopedic Hospital is a state-of-the-art facility focused entirely on musculoskeletal care. It offers both surgical and non-surgical services, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, physical therapy, and post-operative recovery.
Key Services:
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Joint Replacement (Knees, Hips, Shoulders)
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Sports Medicine
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Spine Surgery
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Physical and Occupational Therapy
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Advanced Imaging Services
Why It Stands Out:
This specialty hospital provides a highly tailored patient experience in an environment designed specifically for orthopedic care. Patients receive focused attention and benefit from short hospital stays, quicker recovery times, and world-class rehabilitation support.
4. Wilmington VA Clinic
Location: 1705 Gardner Road, Wilmington, NC
Type: Outpatient Clinic
Affiliation: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
For veterans in the Wilmington area, the Wilmington VA Clinic serves as an essential healthcare facility, offering a broad range of outpatient services.
Services Include:
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Primary and Preventive Care
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Behavioral Health Services
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Laboratory and Imaging
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Pharmacy
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Referrals to VA Hospitals in Fayetteville and Durham
Why It Stands Out:
The VA clinic provides veteran-specific care in a convenient, community-based setting. It emphasizes accessibility and continuity of care for both younger veterans and aging populations with complex chronic conditions.
5. MedNorth Health Center
Location: 925 N. 4th Street, Wilmington, NC
Type: Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
MedNorth Health Center plays a vital role in providing affordable, comprehensive primary care to underserved populations in Wilmington. It offers both adult and pediatric care, as well as dental and behavioral health services.
Key Services:
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Family Medicine
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Prenatal Care
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Behavioral Health
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Dentistry
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Immunizations and Screenings
Why It Stands Out:
As an FQHC, MedNorth is deeply involved in health equity and preventive care. It operates on a sliding fee scale and focuses on breaking down barriers to care related to income, transportation, and language.
6. Coastal Horizons Center
Location: 615 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC
Type: Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Treatment
Coastal Horizons provides integrated care services for individuals dealing with mental health, substance abuse, and primary health issues. With an emphasis on recovery and rehabilitation, it plays a central role in addressing public health challenges in the region.
Key Services:
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Outpatient Mental Health Counseling
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Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (including MAT)
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Crisis Intervention and Detox Services
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School-Based Therapy Programs
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Victim Support Services
Why It Stands Out:
Coastal Horizons is a community-driven nonprofit that partners with schools, courts, and hospitals to provide wraparound services. It plays a pivotal role in improving behavioral health outcomes across New Hanover County.
Emergency Care and Urgent Services
In addition to the major hospitals and clinics, Wilmington is well-served by a network of urgent care centers and emergency departments:
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NHRMC Emergency Department: 24/7 emergency services, trauma center
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Medac Urgent Care (multiple locations): Non-emergency medical care, lab work, X-rays
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FastMed Urgent Care: Walk-in services for common illnesses and minor injuries
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Novant Health Express Care: Convenient care with shorter wait times
These facilities ensure that residents and visitors alike can receive immediate treatment for unexpected illnesses or injuries without the long waits or travel times associated with larger metropolitan areas.
Medical Education and Workforce Development
While Wilmington does not currently host a full-scale medical school, it plays a role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals through:
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UNC School of Medicine Wilmington Campus – A branch for 3rd and 4th-year medical students
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UNCW School of Nursing – One of the top nursing schools in the region
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Cape Fear Community College – Allied health and paramedic training
Through these institutions, Wilmington contributes to addressing healthcare workforce shortages in both urban and rural parts of North Carolina.
Public Health and Community Wellness
In addition to clinical care, Wilmington places strong emphasis on public health initiatives through organizations like:
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New Hanover County Health Department
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Healthy Carolinians of New Hanover County
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Cape Fear Area United Way
Key focus areas include:
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Chronic disease prevention (diabetes, hypertension)
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Teen pregnancy and maternal health
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Opioid addiction response
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Food insecurity and nutrition education
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COVID-19 vaccination and testing
Community outreach and preventive care remain essential tools in creating a healthier, more resilient Wilmington.
Access, Insurance, and Affordability
Wilmington’s healthcare facilities accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. For individuals without coverage, several organizations—like MedNorth and Coastal Horizons—offer financial assistance or care on a sliding fee scale.
Additionally, Novant Health and NHRMC provide charity care programs and patient navigators to help guide patients through financial aid and social services resources.
The Future of Healthcare in Wilmington
As Wilmington continues to grow in population and economic strength, so too does its healthcare system. Future developments include:
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Expansion of Novant Health facilities
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Increased behavioral health funding
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Greater emphasis on telehealth and digital care
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Regional partnerships to support rural healthcare access
Healthcare in Wilmington is evolving to meet the needs of a modern, diverse, and aging population, with a continued focus on quality, compassion, and innovation.
Final Thoughts
Wilmington, North Carolina, offers a dynamic healthcare environment that balances regional excellence with community-focused care. Whether you’re seeking routine checkups, life-saving trauma services, or specialized cancer treatments, the city’s hospitals and clinics are equipped to deliver top-tier medical support with heart and integrity.
From the trusted leadership of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center to the grassroots work of MedNorth and Coastal Horizons, Wilmington’s healthcare ecosystem exemplifies what it means to care for a community—comprehensively and compassionately.
Need help finding a provider or accessing services in Wilmington? Visit the Novant Health website, contact the New Hanover County Health Department, or reach out to local clinics directly for more information.