Windsor, NC – ECU Health Bertie Hospital earned a 2025 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in outcomes and patient perspective. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards program recognizes top quartile performance among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes, and/or Patient Perspective.
“This recognition reflects the dedication and compassion of our entire team at ECU Health Bertie Hospital,” said Brian Harvill, president of ECU Health Bertie Hospital. “Delivering high-quality care and ensuring positive patient experiences are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to serve our community and honored to be recognized among the top-performing rural hospitals in the nation.”
ECU Health Bertie Hospital is a six-bed critical access facility committed to providing high-quality care close to home. The hospital offers a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services, including radiology, rehabilitation, and laboratory diagnostics. It also features a specialty clinic delivering advanced care in areas such as pain and wound management, podiatry, nephrology, ENT, and more.
This dedication to excellence has earned ECU Health Bertie Hospital national recognition. In addition to receiving The Chartis 2025 Performance Leadership Award, the hospital achieved an overall five-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and was named one of the nation’s Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals for patient satisfaction.
The Performance Leadership Awards program is based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, a comprehensive and objective framework for assessing how rural hospitals are performing. INDEX benchmarks are relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health to measure performance across multiple areas impacting hospital operations and finance.
“The areas of quality, outcomes, and patient perspective are cornerstones of healthcare delivery across rural America, and this year’s Performance Leadership Award recipients are establishing a standard of excellence for their rural peers to follow,” said Michael Topchik, executive director, Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are delighted to shine a spotlight on such strong performance and honor the achievement of these hospitals on National Rural Health Day.”
Greenville, NC —The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a quality program administered by the American College of Surgeons, has again granted accredited status to ECU Health Medical Center, which lasts through 2028. Accreditation by NAPBC is granted to programs proven to provide the best possible care to patients with breast cancer.
“ECU Health is committed to delivering comprehensive, high-quality care for every breast cancer patient,” said Dr. Karinn Chambers, breast surgical oncologist at ECU Health and associate program director in the Division of Surgical Oncology at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. “This national designation affirms our patients can trust their care meets the highest standards and reflects the latest advances in treatment, research and multidisciplinary collaboration. Most importantly, it ensures that patients are supported through every stage of their journey – from prevention and diagnosis to treatment, recovery and survivorship.”
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for women in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The even higher prevalence of cancers in eastern North Carolina highlights the importance of having an accredited cancer care center in the region. Access to preventative screenings and early detection allows for less invasive treatments, a greater variety of options and a greater potential to prevent the spread of breast cancer. Patients receiving care at a NAPBC-accredited center have access to information on clinical trials and new treatment options, genetic counseling, and patient-centered services including psychosocial support, rehabilitation services and survivorship care.
“ECU Health Medical Center serves a vast rural region where chronic diseases, including cancer, are especially prevalent,” said Jay Briley, president of ECU Health Medical Center. “As a rural academic medical center, ECU Health Medical Center – with the expertise of the Brody School of Medicine – offers patients access to groundbreaking research and clinical trials while also attracting and training top-tier cancer care providers. Delivering standardized, high-quality care close to home for the 1.4 million people we serve is integral to our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
To achieve NAPBC accreditation, a breast center demonstrates compliance with the NAPBC standards that address a center’s leadership, clinical services, research, community outreach, professional education and quality improvement for patients. Breast centers seeking NAPBC accreditation undergo a site visit every three years.
To learn more about breast cancer screenings and treatment options near you, please visit ECUHealth.org/breast-cancer.
NAGS HEAD, N.C. – Outer Banks Health is proud to honor the legacy of President Ronnie Sloan, FACHE, after a remarkable career of nearly 15 years of dedicated service as President of Outer Banks Health (OBH) and 40 years overall of service in the health care industry.
Sloan was honored on Dec. 1, 2025, at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head with a commemorative party thrown by OBH team members and community members, where nearly 200 individuals gathered to recognize his impact. Many individuals offered personal thanks to Sloan for the direct influence he had had on their lives. ECU Health, a partner of OBH, and Sloan’s family were present in recognizing his accomplishments as well.
“When I began my career, I was encouraged to step beyond respiratory therapy and move into health care administration. I hesitated at first because I felt great reward in caring for patients and their families,” Sloan said. “But I’m forever grateful to the person who helped me see how much more my impact could have in this role. Serving this community, building so many meaningful relationships and playing a part in growing healthcare on the Outer Banks has been a true blessing.”
Sloan is celebrated for creating and cultivating a culture of compassion among team members, medical staff, patients and the community. This culture is reflected in patient care, resulting in OBH’s standing as a 5-star hospital in North Carolina for patient satisfaction according to Press Ganey. Under Sloan’s supportive and guided leadership, OBH was one of the first hospitals in the nation to pilot rural, accredited cancer programs—reducing mortality rates—became the first Dementia Friendly Hospital in North Carolina and achieved accredited stroke-ready status. Sloan also drove the expansion of essential health care services on the Outer Banks, helping to introduce and grow offerings such as urgent care, family medicine, urology, cardiology, ear nose and throat, orthopedics and sports medicine, and cancer care services.
Throughout his career with OBH, Sloan has remained fully committed to its mission: to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors of Dare County and surrounding areas by providing the highest quality health care services. Sloan has been a valued partner to both of OBH’s partners, ECU Health and CRH, faithfully advancing the aligned missions through collaborative leadership, integrity and dedication.
“Ronnie’s impact has been immeasurable. His contribution to eastern North Carolina, especially on the Outer Banks, will continue to benefit this region for generations,” said Van Smith, Jr., MBA, MSHA, president, ECU Health community hospitals. “For the entirety of the past 15 years, Ronnie exemplified our mission and values in his work, leading by example and reflecting compassion and excellence in all he does. He has set a lasting tone for future healthcare leaders and team members.”
In 2018, Sloan received national recognition as a recipient of the American Hospital Association Rural Health Leadership Award, which honors hospital leaders who guide their organizations through transformational change while displaying outstanding leadership and commitment to improving health outcomes and growing access to healthcare. Beyond his leadership within the organization, Sloan has been a steadfast community advocate. He has volunteered his time and expertise with numerous nonprofit agencies and community development groups, including the North Carolina Aquarium Society Board of Directors, the Outer Banks Community Foundation, the Dare Community Housing Task Force, the Access to Healthcare Task Force and the Visitors Bureau Long Range Strategic Task Force.
“On behalf of the OBH Board of Directors, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Ronnie Sloan for a distinguished career defined by compassion, vision and lasting impact. His legacy will continue to benefit the people of eastern North Carolina for years to come. The Board wishes him the very best in his retirement,” said Myra Ladd-Bone, chair, OBH Board of Directors.
Sloan is set to retire in early 2026 following the selection of his successor, for whom a search is currently underway. Along with OBH’s partners, the OBH Board of Directors is seeking a leader who understands the Outer Banks community, shares its values and will carry forward the organization’s commitment to compassion, integrity and exceptional care.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health has earned 2025 College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) Digital Health Most Wired recognition for Level 8 achievement in the acute category and Level 9 achievement in the ambulatory category. The Digital Health Most Wired program conducts an annual survey designed to identify and recognize health care organizations that exemplify best practices through their adoption, implementation and use of information technology.
“ECU Health is honored to be recognized once again by CHIME’s Digital Health Most Wired program for our continued progress in digital transformation,” said Donette Herring, chief information officer, ECU Health. “This achievement is a testament to our team’s commitment to innovation and excellence. As we navigate an increasingly complex health care landscape, our strategic focus on data-driven care and using advancements in artificial intelligence to enhance our services empowers us to enhance patient outcomes and support our clinical teams.”
Among the more than 50,000 facilities surveyed, ECU Health distinguished itself by ranking above peers in key focus areas including clinical quality and safety, analytics and data management, cybersecurity, population health, infrastructure, patient engagement and innovation. The survey evaluates the adoption maturity, outcomes and value of technology integration across healthcare organizations at all stages of digital maturity – from early phase digitization to advanced transformation.
As health care organizations continue to face complex challenges in rising cybersecurity threats, evolving care models, workforce shortages and budget constraints, the need to accelerate digital transformation has never been more urgent. Over the next several decades, emerging technologies will revolutionize care delivery in fundamental ways. Innovations powered by interoperable data, artificial intelligence, and secure digital infrastructure are poised to redefine the digital health landscape. Navigating this evolution will require sustained commitment and a clear, strategic roadmap.
The Digital Health Most Wired survey serves as a comprehensive evaluation and digital maturity report card for health care organizations across the globe. As success in digital transformation increasingly influences the quality and accessibility of care, this recognition program reflects the progress of leading health care providers as they reshape the future of health care. This achievement extends beyond information technology to every area of the enterprise, symbolizing a collective commitment to advancing health and care through strategic digital initiatives.
This past year, ECU Health made significant strides in analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital health all with the goal of transforming care delivery and operational excellence. The organization’s AI strategy has accelerated adoption and literacy across the organization, enhancing efficiency and everyday productivity. Physicians and nurses are embracing AI as it seamlessly augments workflows—saving time, improving quality, and elevating the patient experience. Leveraging advanced analytics and the power of AI, clinical and operational leaders are gaining real-time insights that drive immediate action and improve outcomes.
ECU Health has also expanded telehealth services across more specialties through new enterprise platforms, extending access to care for rural communities and advancing our mission to improve health and well-being of eastern North Carolina. These achievements underscore ECU Health’s position as a leader in digital transformation and innovation in health care.
GREENVILLE, NC & CHICAGO – ECU Health, a rural health system serving 29 counties in eastern North Carolina, has partnered with Artisight to introduce Smart Hospital technology across its facilities, starting with five hospitals and expanding to more in the coming year. This new platform will make telehealth services more efficient by expanding specialized care from ECU Health Medical Center to patients in ECU Health hospitals across eastern North Carolina and improve the experience for both patients and care teams.
The rollout will begin at ECU Health Bertie, Chowan, Roanoke-Chowan, Duplin and North Hospitals. While all locations will implement the telehealth platform, the specific services offered may differ.
Examples include the following, among other services:
- Tele Neuro
- Tele ICU
- Tele Observers
Artisight’s Smart Hospital Platform uses artificial intelligence (AI), cameras, microphones and other smart devices to help hospitals monitor and respond to what is happening in real time. It works with electronic health records (EHRs) to support care coordination and streamline workflows.
Key features include:
- AI-powered insights to improve patient care and hospital operations. For example, AI sensors can detect when at-risk patients attempt to get out of bed and automatically notify care teams, helping prevent injuries and improve response times.
- Virtual nursing and monitoring to extend the reach of clinical staff.
With this technology, patients in rural areas can now receive specialized care from ECU Health Medical Center specialists without needing to travel. Through two-way video and audio, patients can speak directly with specialists while staying in their local hospital room, reducing transfers and delays in care. The platform also improves communication among care teams, speeds up decision-making and helps hospitals run more efficiently.
“ECU Health serves a geographic third of the state of North Carolina, with many patients living in remote rural communities throughout our 29-county region,” said Brian Floyd, ECU Health Chief Operating Officer. “Our commitment to building the national model for rural health care means finding new ways to remove barriers. This platform helps patients get high-quality specialty care close to home, without the need to travel. Through partnerships like this, we’re using technology to extend our reach and improve care across eastern North Carolina.”
By bringing together different technologies into one platform, ECU Health is expanding access to advanced care in rural communities. This reflects the health system’s commitment to innovation, equity and improving the well-being of the region.
“Hospital CIOs and nursing teams need solutions that can improve more than just one small part of their workflow,” said Dr. Andrew Gostine, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Artisight. “This is especially true in rural hospitals that must maximize limited resources to deliver care to patients in their communities. Our Smart Hospital Platform creates the infrastructure for the hospital of the future, where patients can access the highest quality care no matter where they lived and trusted AI tools are seamlessly integrated into clinicians’ workflows.”
Artisight’s platform has already shown strong results in hospitals across the country, helping teams discharge patients on time, reducing documentation time and giving nurses back valuable minutes during admissions and discharges.
Tarboro, NC – ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital proudly commemorated 40 years of service to the community, honoring its legacy of compassionate care and medical innovation, at ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. For four decades, ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital has served as a vital health care provider for the region, offering a wide range of services and specialties to meet the evolving needs of its patients.
“We are honored to celebrate four decades of service to our community,” said Patrick Heins, president of ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital. “From our earliest days to now, our team has remained committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our team members and to the trust our community places in us. As we celebrate 40 years of service, we look ahead to continue growing, innovating and ensuring that every patient who walks through our doors receives the highest standard of care.”
To mark the occasion, ECU Health Edgecombe hosted an event with nearly 200 attendees, including employees, donors, retirees, members of the board of directors and development council, local government and businesses. The hospital also hosted a celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, for team members. Patrick Heins opened the ceremony by welcoming guests, former president Jim Raynor and Drs. David Miller and Mark Petruzziello reflected on the past 40 years.
Originally dedicated in October 1985, the hospital opened its doors to patients on Nov. 1, 1985. Over the years, the hospital has introduced numerous advancements, including the opening of the Women’s Pavilion and Special Beginnings Birthing Center in 1987 and the Heritage Cancer Care in 1998 in partnership with Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital joined what is now the ECU Health system in October 1998. In the spring of 2005, the OB/GYN unit received national recognition from the Jackson Organization for having the highest patient satisfaction scores of any hospital in its category.
The hospital continued to expand its services with the opening of the Heritage Chronic Heart Failure Clinic in 2004. The cancer center earned accreditation from the American College of Surgeons in 2009. In 2012, the hospital launched a telehealth and care coordination program to support patients with cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions transitioning from hospital to home and opened its behavioral health clinic. Inpatient dialysis services were added in 2014, followed by a major expansion of the ECU Health Multispecialty Clinic–Tarboro in spring 2015. The emergency department implemented a Telestroke Program in 2016, and an eight-bed Medical Intermediate Care Unit (MIU) opened in 2017. In 2020, the hospital introduced a dedicated Palliative Care Suite. By 2024, ECU Health Edgecombe expanded its MIU to 12 beds and opened a fourth operating room, further expanding its capacity to serve the community.
“Throughout ECU Health Edgecombe’s history, we have embraced innovation to better serve our patients,” said Van Smith, president of ECU Health Community Hospitals. “From expanding access to specialized services like cancer care, to implementing cutting-edge programs in telemedicine and stroke response, ECU Health Edgecombe has consistently led with providing patient-centered care in the forefront. Our team members have built a legacy of excellence that reflects integrity, community and a continual commitment to meeting ECU Health’s mission of improving the health and well-being eastern North Carolina.”
Edenton, NC – ECU Health Chowan Hospital has been nationally recognized for excellence in patient experience, earning the second spot on PEP Health’s 2026 US Hospital Rankings. This recognition places ECU Health Chowan Hospital among the top-performing hospitals in the country, based on real-time feedback from patients and families.
“Being recognized as one of the top hospitals in the country for patient experience is a tremendous honor,” said Brian Harvill, president of ECU Health Chowan Hospital. “This achievement reflects the compassion, dedication and professionalism of our entire team. We are proud to serve our community and remain committed to delivering excellent care.”
PEP Health’s rankings are based on tens of millions of unsolicited online comments posted between Sept. 1, 2024, and Aug. 31, 2025, across public review sites, forums and social media. Using an AI-powered platform, PEP Health analyzes and validates patient sentiment to provide a transparent, unbiased view of how care is experienced across the country. To be eligible, hospitals must have received at least 365 unsolicited comments and consistently high scores across seven domains of patient-centered care, including: Fast Access, Effective Treatment, Emotional Support, Communication & Involvement, Continuity of Care, Attention to Physical & Environmental Needs and Billing & Administration.
“Patient experience is a powerful reflection of values in action, and this recognition from PEP Health affirms the importance of listening to our patients and continuously improving based on their insights,” said Dr. Julie Kennedy Oehlert, chief experience officer at ECU Health. “Being recognized nationally for excellence across multiple elements of people-centered care affirms from our patients that we are providing safe, healing environments. I am grateful for our teams and this recognition is validation of the ECU Health team’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
According to PEP Health, hospitals that prioritize patient experience see improved clinical outcomes, stronger financial performance and enhanced health equity. Last year, ECU Health Medical Center recognized as leader in patient experience for second consecutive year by PEP Health. To ensure fairness and representation, only the top-performing hospital per health system is featured. Positive experiences also influence CMS Star Ratings and play a key role in attracting and retaining patients.
Greenville, NC – ECU Health is proud to announce the Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program (ECIPP) at ECU Health Medical Center was honored with the Martha Collar Partnership Award at the Safe Kids Worldwide International Childhood Injury Prevention Convention (PrevCon) for its outstanding contributions toward preventing childhood injuries. Named for Oklahoma Safe Kids State Coordinator Martha Collar, this award recognizes inspirational individuals or organizations that exhibit outstanding leadership and a commitment to collaboration and partnerships.
“ECIPP is honored by this recognition, which reflects the dedication and innovation of the entire team in advancing injury prevention and safety across eastern North Carolina,” said Ellen Walston, Injury Prevention Program Coordinator and Safe Kids Pitt County Coordinator at ECU Health. “Through strong partnerships and community-focused strategies, we have expanded access to education and resources that make a real difference in people’s lives. Our greatest reward is seeing the positive impact of this work on the health and well-being of the children and families we serve.”
ECIPP is dedicated to improving the health and safety of eastern North Carolina by reducing the frequency and severity of preventable injuries, especially to children. Founded in 1995, ECIPP is a collaborative initiative between the ECU Health Trauma Center, Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center and the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Through hands-on community outreach, ECIPP offers car seat and bike helmet fittings, along with educational programs focused on risk areas such as driver and pedestrian safety, fall prevention, water safety, suicide prevention and safe firearm storage. ECIPP also plays an active role in regional coalitions, including the Greenville Traffic Safety Task Force, formed in partnership with the Greenville Police Department, and the Pitt County Firearm Safety Coalition, working together to build a safer, more informed community.
“The Eastern Carolina Injury Prevention Program exemplifies how community collaboration can transform safety education into measurable action,” said Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide. “Their partnerships and holistic approach embody Martha’s legacy of building bridges that protect families.”
The award was presented at PrevCon on Oct. 15, 2025, that convened more than 600 child health and safety professionals from around the world, including academic researchers, community activists, health care providers, manufacturers, public health and injury prevention practitioners and policy makers. More than 20 individuals and organizations were honored for their leadership in the field. PrevCon is one of the largest gatherings of individuals and organizations dedicated to childhood injury prevention. Preventable injuries are the number one cause of death for children in the United States. Throughout the world, almost one million children die of an injury each year, and almost every one of these tragedies is preventable.
Roanoke Rapids, NC — ECU Health North Hospital has launched a new hospital-based Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) I Program designed to help team members at ECU Health North, ECU Health Edgecombe and ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan hospitals gain hands-on training, real-world experience and the foundation needed to become a certified nursing assistant.
“At ECU Health, we are committed to strengthening the rural health care workforce by expanding access to careers in nursing and allied health,” said Pam Rudisill, vice president of Nursing Excellence, ECU Health. “This initiative not only invests in the growth and development of our current team members but also opens new doors for those entering the field. By aligning with existing workforce pipelines and community college partnerships, we are building a more resilient and skilled care team that is designed to meet the needs of those we serve.”
Team members who are selected for the program will learn essential patient care skills from experienced medical professionals, receive classroom instruction and clinical training on-site and build a pathway toward long-term career growth in health care. The program was created to enable current team members to pursue a nursing assistant certification by offering life-work balance and the support needed to achieve their goals. Upon completion of the program and with certification, team members will then transition from their current roles to a nursing assistant position. The first cohort will graduate in January 2026 and join the nursing team at ECU Health, and enrollment for the second cohort beginning in February 2026 is open now.
“By equipping our team members with the skills and support they need to grow into vital roles, we are helping create a pipeline of compassionate, community-based caregivers who will serve eastern North Carolina for years to come,” said Todd Hickey, president of ECU Health North Hospital. “Investing in our local talent, especially in rural communities like the Roanoke Valley, strengthens our workforce and keeps care close to home. Initiatives like these help us fulfill our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
The CNA I program was inspired by the vision of Sheryl Watson, BSN, RN, a former registered nurse at ECU Health, whose dedication to student education and commitment to guiding aspiring nursing assistants have been integral to the program’s formation. Watson laid the groundwork for the academy but passed away before seeing it come to fruition. As a former instructor in a community college CNA program, Watson saw the value in building a CNA program at ECU Health North.
Greenville, NC — Andy Zukowski, chief financial officer of ECU Health, has been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 38 Rural Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know in its newly released list. Zukowski, who has served as CFO since 2022, oversees financial operations for both ECU Health and the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.
“It is an honor to be nationally recognized for the work the entire team does at ECU Health,” said Zukowski. “Our goal is to build the national model for high-quality rural academic health care, and being good stewards of our resources is a key component of that. I am proud to work alongside mission-driven individuals who dedicate their time, expertise and energy to meeting the mission of ECU Health by improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
Rural hospitals are a lifeline for communities that too often face barriers to convenient, affordable and high-quality care. According to Becker’s, the CFOs featured on the list are the financial architects behind that mission. With expertise in planning and resource management, they strengthen the financial foundation of their hospitals while driving cost-effective, innovative and accessible care. Their leadership ensures that rural communities continue to benefit from up-to-date services and sustainable healthcare delivery.
“Andy brings a mission-focused approach to financial leadership that reflects ECU Health’s broader mission to serve and uplift our communities,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health and Dean of the Brody School of Medicine.
“As the largest health care provider, employer and medical educator in the region, Andy’s strategic insight helps ensure we remain a strong, sustainable force for health, education and opportunity in rural eastern North Carolina. We’re proud to have Andy helping lead the way.”
Becker’s Hospital Review accepted nominations and curated the list to highlight the outstanding accomplishments of rural hospital CFOs across the country. The full list, which includes individual profiles of each honoree, can be viewed on Becker’s website. Inclusion on the list is not exhaustive nor an endorsement, and individuals cannot pay for placement.