FirstHealth Board Approves Construction of Replacement Hospital for Montgomery Memorial

TROY, N.C. - The FirstHealth of the Carolinas Board of Directors has officially approved plans to build a replacement hospital for Montgomery Memorial Hospital in Troy, underscoring the system's commitment to sustaining and strengthening rural health care in Montgomery County.

The $43.2 million project will replace the existing hospital with a modern, efficient 45,000-square-foot facility designed to meet the community's evolving health care needs.

The new hospital will include 9 inpatient beds, 10 emergency room bays, a procedure room and space to continue offering all current inpatient, outpatient and observation services.

A $43.2 Million Investment in the Future of Rural Health Care

"This is a historic moment for Montgomery County," said Mickey W. Foster, MHA, chief executive officer of FirstHealth of the Carolinas. "Since 1950, Montgomery Memorial has stood as a cornerstone of care for this community. This investment represents our ongoing promise to ensure that residents of Montgomery County have access to the best care possible-close to home-both today and for generations to come."

Building on a Legacy of Rural Health Care in Montgomery County

Montgomery Memorial has long played a vital role in serving Montgomery County. The hospital became part of the FirstHealth system in 1995 after years of struggle to stay financially viable, a common symptom among independent rural hospitals.

The hospital earned designation as a Critical Access Hospital in 1999, a step that provided stability for rural health care delivery in the county. Despite these milestones, the aging facility has required costly upkeep, prompting the need for a reimagined approach.

"Replacing Montgomery Memorial Hospital is not just about bricks and mortar-it's about investing in the future of rural health care," said Kerry Herbine, FACHE, president of the western region and administrator of Montgomery Memorial Hospital.

"The new hospital will strengthen our ability to provide excellent, accessible care while creating a foundation for growth in primary and specialty services as our community's needs expand."

Construction Timeline and What Comes Next

The new hospital will be built on the current site, maintaining close proximity to Montgomery Memorial's medical office building. This location allows for future expansion and preserves the hospital's presence in the heart of the county.

Project Timeline

Construction plans will be finalized over the coming months and submitted to the state and town of Troy in early 2026. A groundbreaking will take place in April 2026, and construction is expected to be complete by June 2027. By November 2027, abatement and demolition of the existing hospital are anticipated to be complete.

Commitment to Montgomery County's Health and Future

The replacement hospital reflects the community's resilience and FirstHealth's commitment to innovation in rural health care delivery. With modern facilities, efficient design and room for future growth, Montgomery Memorial Hospital will continue to be a trusted source of care for the county's residents for decades to come.

"Montgomery Memorial has always been more than a hospital-it's a symbol of the community's strength," Herbine said. "This new facility ensures that Montgomery County will not only meet the health care challenges of today but thrive in the years ahead."