If all goes as planned, the sale of NHRMC to Novant Health is expected to become official Monday, but don’t expect any immediate changes. (Port City Daily photo / Johanna F. Still)
WILMINGTON On July 23, 2019, citing increased financial uncertainty and the level of funding needed to expand facilities and services amid the area’s rapid growth, officials announced plans to explore selling New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Barring any last-minute hurdles, on Monday, Feb. 1, 2020 18 months later and in the midst of the area’s worst health crisis in a century the county-owned health system will officially become Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. It will operate as a part of Novant’s Winston-Salem-based private nonprofit health network.
The number of people who are vaccinated more than doubled over the past week. On Jan. 18, a total of 573,130 doses had been given across N.C. By Jan. 27, that number was up to 1.18 million. (Port City Daily/Courtesy New Hanover County)
SOUTHEASTERN NC Approximately 300 days into the pandemic, North Carolina is continuing to see Covid-19 cases rise as health officials double down on efforts to vaccinate the people most at risk of infection.
As of Saturday morning, North Carolina has reported 752,627 cases and 9,287 deaths. The seven-day rolling average for new cases remained relatively stable – 6,199 on Jan. 18 and 6,168 on Jan. 30.
The percent of test results returning positive has fallen, though, from 10.5% to 8.4%. Health officials previously have considered a positivity rate of less than 5% a goal in slowing the spread of the virus.
Douglas Elton ‘Doug’ Keen
WILMINGTON Douglas Elton “Doug” Keen, 79, peacefully passed away into the arms of the Lord Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
He was born Feb. 4, 1941, in Wilson, the son of Elton and Eula Keen. In addition to his parents, Doug was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Keen; and sisters, Joyce Kennedy and Carolyn Mize.
Doug is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda; and two sons, Kevin Keen, along with his wife, Genia, and Keith Keen. In addition, he was very proud to be “Grandpa” to his two grandsons, Slade and Layton. Along with all of these were several nieces, nephews and more friends than any man could be fortunate enough to have.
Busy signals and overstrained call centers can be commonplace when so many people seek the Covid-19 vaccine. With even more people becoming eligible on the horizon, New Hanover County hopes to expand its options. (Port City Daily/Courtesy of New Hanover County)
SOUTHEASTERN NC Over the past week, North Carolina is reporting Covid-19 cases at 718,812 and 8,695 deaths, with a 10.5% daily positive rate among those being tested. Though the overall numbers continue to rise, the seven-day average for new cases dropped from 8,711 on Jan. 11 to 6,199 on Jan. 18. The death average over seven days also went down, from 91 on Jan. 11 to 71 on Jan. 18.
WILMINGTON Mario Roger Collura, 92, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
He was the loving husband of Rosemarie G. Collura and an amazing father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Mario served his country with honor and distinction in the U.S. Navy.
A graveside service will be held in his honor at noon, Saturday, Jan. 23, at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Wilmington. All are welcome to attend.
In recognition of Mario’s honorable and faithful service to his country, the U.S. Navy Honor Guard will render Military Honors.
He was truly a kind and wonderful man. An inspiration to us all. And he leaves us with this message, “Never, never give up!”