Buncombe County backs UNC Health, AdventHealth in competition for 92 new hospital beds
Tue, August 18, 2026 at 9:56 PM
UpdatedTue, August 18, 2026 at 11:13 PM
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FILE IMAGE – Hospital bed in Asheville, North Carolina (WLOS Staff)
BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) —A major decision could reshape the healthcare landscape in Buncombe County, as four hospital systems compete for state approval to add 92 new hospital beds
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is now throwing its support behind UNC Health’s proposal. In May, they previously backed AdventHealth for the same beds
Mission Health, AdventHealth, Novant Health and UNC Health are all seeking approval for 92 acute care beds
On Tuesday evening, Buncombe County commissioners unanimously approved a motion supporting UNC Health’s application
4 HEALTH CARE GROUPS COMPETE FOR 92 ACUTE CARE BEDS IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
“Residents in the western part of Buncombe County are asking for medical options, and UNC Health’s location is perfect to address those needs,” Commission Chair Amanda Edwards said.
The commissioners’ support, however, does not guarantee UNC Health will receive the beds. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will make the final decision after considering proposals from all four hospital groups
UNC Health is the only applicant that does not currently have licensed acute care beds in Buncombe County
If its application is approved, the 92 beds would become part of UNC Health’s proposed first hospital in Asheville
UNC HEALTH’S ASHEVILLE HOSPITAL PLAN AMONG 4 PROPOSALS FOR 92 BEDS
The health system wants to build the $747 million UNC Health West Medical Center on the current site of the Westgate Shopping Center
Edwards said the project could bring additional healthcare re
“What that could potentially bring to our area if UNC Health is approved are more medical residents to our community and really just increasing the quality of health care for Buncombe County and western North Carolina,” Edwards said
The proposed hospital would employ nearly 400 people. If UNC Health receives approval for the beds, the health system hopes to open the facility in about six years
“Our residents are demanding additional options, and we’re listening and taking action in that area,” Edwards said
