Construction has begun on a project that will bring New Hanover Regional Medical Center services directly to northern Brunswick County. Steel beams are going up on the medical center's new 40,000 square foot medical complex in The Villages at Brunswick Forest. When complete, area residents will have easier access to imaging and urgent care services as well as primary and specialist physicians.

'We're very excited about this project,' said John Gizdic, NHRMC Vice President of Strategic Planning and Business Development. 'New Hanover Regional Medical Center has been serving the needs of Brunswick County residents for many years. Our location in The Villages will now give us the opportunity to bring that care closer to home.'

The Villages is at the entrance to Brunswick Forest, a 4,500-acre residential golf community off U.S. Highway 17 in Leland. The project is expected to be complete in 10-12 months.

Even before the medical offices open, NHRMC is offering a continuing series of health related seminars, screenings and events within the Brunswick Forest community. The next health fair is scheduled for January 10, from 10am until 2pm in the Brunswick Forest Fitness Center. The public is encouraged to attend.

'We're committed to the health of this area and we're looking forward to becoming even more involved in delivering care and information where it is accessible and convenient,' said Gizdic.

New Hanover Regional Medical Center is the leading provider of quality and accessible health care in Southeastern North Carolina, delivering care to all in need, without the support of taxpayer dollars. The medical center takes seriously its responsibility as an economic engine for the community, creating more than 4,500 jobs directly and another 3,000 jobs indirectly.