ECU Health announces transition of Home Health and Hospice Services to Liberty Home Care and Hospice
Greenville, N.C. — ECU Health today announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its Home Health and Hospice business unit to Liberty Home Care and Hospice, a trusted, mission aligned provider with deep experience delivering high quality care across the Carolinas. The sale will occur pending approval from the North Carolina Attorney General office and will help ensure home health and hospice services remain available for patients and families in the region.
The transition includes all ECU Health Home Health and Hospice operations, including:
- Home Health offices in Greenville, Windsor, Washington and Kenansville
- Hospice offices in Greenville, Ahoskie and Kenansville
- The Service League of Greenville Hospice House
This strategic decision is guided by ECU Health’s commitment to ensuring long term sustainability and preserving access to essential home based and end of life care for communities across eastern North Carolina. It will also help advance the impact of the Service League of Greenville which has compassionately served the community for more than 80 years, most notably through the Service League of Greenville Hospice House.
“As the rural health landscape continues to experience complex challenges and pressures, including shrinking reimbursement, it is essential we explore every opportunity to ensure high-quality services remain accessible to the people of eastern North Carolina,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “This decision was made with sustainability and continuation of services at the forefront. Liberty Home Care and Hospice brings the scale, expertise and mission driven focus needed to help ensure uninterrupted high quality home health and hospice care for patients and families who depend on these services.”
ECU Health leadership determined that partnering with Liberty—an organization with a 150-year history grounded in quality, integrity and compassionate service—offers the most stable and sustainable path forward. Liberty currently operates across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia and has the regional infrastructure needed to support continuity of care.
“For more than 150 years, Liberty has focused on meeting the evolving needs of patients and families across the Carolinas,” said Donna Turlington, president, Liberty Home Care and Hospice. “Liberty is proud to partner with ECU Health to ensure long term stability and continuity for home health and hospice services across eastern North Carolina. We are deeply committed to ensuring patients and families continue to receive the compassionate, high quality home health and hospice services they rely on, delivered by care teams who understand this community. We look forward to supporting a smooth transition and preserving access to these essential services for years to come.”
The agreement provides transition opportunities for various roles in accordance with Liberty’s staffing model. ECU Health is committed to supporting impacted team members, with assistance available to help identify internal opportunities where possible.
Both organizations are working closely to ensure a seamless transition with no disruption to patient care. Referral partners, patients and families can expect continuity in scheduling, services and communication throughout the process.
Roanoke Rapids, NC – ECU Health is excited to announce the opening of two clinics in Roanoke Rapids following the acquisition of Halifax Gastroenterology. The newly established ECU Health Gastroenterology – Roanoke Rapids and ECU Health Endoscopy Center – Roanoke Rapids, both located at 1007 Gregory Drive, will expand access to specialized digestive health services for patients across the region.
“ECU Health is proud to expand access to care in the Roanoke Valley, building on a longstanding foundation of trusted health care services in the region,” said Todd Hickey, president of ECU Health North Hospital. “By adding new services, we are strengthening our commitment to this community and ensuring patients have access to high‑quality specialty care close to home. This investment reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of rural communities and the patients and families who rely on us.”
ECU Health Gastroenterology – Roanoke Rapids began seeing patients on Feb. 4, followed by the opening of ECU Health Endoscopy Center – Roanoke Rapids on March 3. Dr. Nagarjuna Yerra, who has long provided gastroenterology care in the community, will continue practicing at the clinic. His continued presence ensures continuity of care for existing patients while supporting the growth of gastroenterology services under the ECU Health umbrella.
The two clinics will offer comprehensive gastroenterology and endoscopy services, supported by ECU Health’s integrated network of providers and resources. The expansion reflects ECU Health’s ongoing efforts to strengthen rural health care and ensure patients can receive expert, compassionate care without traveling long distances.
To schedule an appointment, ECU Health Gastroenterology – Roanoke Rapids can be reached at 252-535-8950.
Kenansville, NC – ECU Health Duplin Hospital is proud to announce a team of nurses on the medical surgical floor was recently honored with the DAISY Team Award for their care of a patient in 2024. The DAISY award celebrates nurses who go above and beyond in their practice – making a lasting impact through kindness, skill and dedication.
“I am incredibly proud of this team’s dedication to compassionate care for this patient and our rural community,” said Jeff Dial, president. “Their commitment reflects our promise that patients in eastern North Carolina can receive exceptional care close to home. ECU Health Duplin nurses embody the very best of the profession, and I’m happy to see their hard work recognized with a DAISY Award.”
According to the nomination, the isolation of a hospital room and the inability to engage in daily life as they pleased weighed heavily on the patient.
As days turned into weeks, the team recognized this discomfort and was determined to make the most of what would become a four-month stay at the hospital. They played card games with the patient, gave them a special nickname and brought thoughtful gifts.
“The nursing team on the medical surgical floor cared deeply about the patient’s well-being – both physically and mentally,” said Rebecca Miller, director of Patient Care Services at ECU Health Duplin Hospital, who nominated the team alongside Christina Miller, vice president of Nursing Strategic Operations and Christi Champion, former nurse manager. “We saw their acts of kindness towards the patient each day, which serve as a testament to the resilience and empathy that define our health care community. This DAISY Award reflects the meaningful impact they make on patients and families across our region.”
Washington, NC – ECU Health Beaufort Hospital is proud to recognize Leslie Alston, RCP, RRT, as the 2025 Pulmonary Health and Illness of the Lung (PHIL) Award recipient for ECU Health regional hospitals. The PHIL Award, established by the FACES Foundation in honor of Philip C. Lamka who passed away from Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), honors respiratory therapists who demonstrate exceptional compassion and patient-centered care.
“Leslie represents everything the PHIL Award stands for,” said Dr. Dennis Campbell II, DHA, RN, FACHE, president of ECU Health Beaufort Hospital. “Her compassion and professionalism make a lasting difference for patients, families and our care teams. Leslie is widely respected by patients, families and colleagues for her clinical expertise, calm leadership and ability to provide comfort and guidance during life’s most critical moments.”
Alston, who has been a respiratory therapist for 28 years – 20 of those spent at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital – is equally respected by nursing leadership and educators. New graduate nurses and code teams rely on her expertise during training and emergency situations. Known as a natural coach, she provides guidance in a supportive and encouraging way while maintaining a strong focus on patient care. She also assists with nursing and CNA skills fairs and represents respiratory therapy at local middle and high schools, emphasizing safe, high-quality, person-centered care.
“I am truly humbled by this recognition, but the greatest reward comes from caring for my patients. Every day, they remind me why I am passionate about being a respiratory therapist. It is an honor and a privilege to support them, and their gratitude and trust are the motivation that keeps me dedicated to this profession,” said Alston
Alston’s impact is reflected in the many calls and handwritten notes from patients and families following discharge. These messages consistently highlight Alston’s personalized care and the genuine concern she shows for each patient. Families often share how Alston took time to listen, explain and provide comfort during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Physicians throughout the hospital also recognize her excellence and frequently request her by name to care for their patients. Medical and physician assistant students regularly shadow her to gain a better understanding of respiratory therapy.
FACES Foundation recognizes two PHIL Award recipients each year — one from ECU Health Medical Center and one representing ECU Health regional hospitals. Alston was named the regional recipient.
Greenville, NC – ECU Health is excited to announce the Academic Loan Scholarship Program, a new workforce investment designed to support students pursuing high need health sciences degrees across eastern North Carolina. The program provides $5,000 in financial assistance to eligible students and includes a one year, full time work commitment with ECU Health upon graduation, helping ensure a strong homegrown pipeline of skilled professionals for the region’s hospitals and clinics.
“Eastern North Carolina depends on a strong, well trained health care workforce, and this program is an important investment in that future,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “By reducing financial barriers for students and creating clear pathways into our system, we’re able to recruit and retain the talent our communities rely on. Supporting local learners early in their training strengthens both ECU Health and the long term stability of care across the region, and this commitment ensures we are preparing the next generation of caregivers who take care of the communities we serve.”
Created to address the need for allied health and nursing roles, the Academic Loan Scholarship represents a significant commitment to expanding access to education while meeting the health care needs of rural and underserved communities. A total of $165,000 has been allocated for the program, allowing for 33 scholarships of $5,000 each. Eligible students must be enrolled in or accepted into one of several high need programs at regional community colleges, including nursing (ADN), respiratory therapy, surgical technology, medical laboratory technology, radiography, sonography, cardiovascular sonography, CT, MRI, diagnostic technology, OTA and PTA. Students in the Nursing Ribbon Program are also eligible.
“At ECU Health, we believe that supporting the next generation of caregivers is essential to building a healthier eastern North Carolina,” said Josh Crocker, vice president, HR Centers of Excellence, ECU Health. “Our Academic Loan Scholarship Program is designed to ease the financial burden for students in high demand health disciplines while creating clear pathways into vital clinical roles across our region. This initiative reflects our commitment to growing local talent, expanding access to care and advancing our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
Applications close May 22, 2026. To learn more about the Academic Loan Scholarship Program, including eligibility, FAQs and application requirements, please contact Brynn Schiller at [email protected].
Carteret Health Care, ECU Health and the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center are pleased to announce a new partnership that brings Newborn and Pediatric Hospitalist services directly to families in Carteret County. This collaboration highlights both organizations’ shared commitment to ensuring children have access to high-quality care, as Carteret Health Care becomes the only hospital outside of the ECU Health system to host ECU Health Newborn and Pediatric Hospitalists on-site.
The partnership expands access to specialized newborn and pediatric inpatient care close to home—an important priority for families in the community. Through this collaboration, Carteret Health Care is helping ensure children who require hospitalization can receive high-quality, expert care locally, reducing the need for families to travel outside the county whenever possible.
“Our partnership with ECU Health to bring dedicated Newborn and Pediatric Hospitalists to Carteret County represents a significant leap forward in our mission to provide specialized care close to home,” said Dr. Clyde Brooks, VP of Medical Affairs. “By having these specialists on-site 24/7, we are ensuring that local families have immediate access to high-quality inpatient pediatric care. This collaboration not only supports our local pediatricians but also provides parents the peace of mind that comes with knowing advanced medical support is available right here in our community.”
ECU Health Newborn and Pediatric Hospitalists will provide dedicated inpatient care for infants and children admitted to Carteret Health Care. This approach allows local pediatricians to continue focusing on outpatient care and long-term relationships with their patients, while Hospitalists manage inpatient needs, ensuring seamless coordination and continuity of care.
“ECU Health and Maynard Children’s Hospital are committed to improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina—that’s our mission, which extends to supporting other health systems who also serve patients in the region, said Dr. Matthew Ledoux, pediatrician in chief, ECU Health, chair of pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. “We’re delighted to partner with Carteret Health Care to offer our expertise, provide alignment with the highest standards of clinical care and help ensure patients and families receive the right level of care and support.”
For Carteret County families, the impact of this partnership is significant. More children can remain in the community for care, staying close to family, school, and support systems during hospitalization. When higher-acuity care is required, transfers to ECU Health and Maynard Children’s Hospital can be streamlined, helping ensure timely access to advanced pediatric services.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health is proud to announce that Trish Baise, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAONL, chief nursing executive, has been named to the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) 2025 class of fellows (FAONL). The honor recognizes exceptional contributions to nursing leadership and will be celebrated at AONL’s annual conference in Chicago this March.
“Nursing leadership has shaped my career and my sense of purpose, and this recognition reflects the mentors, colleagues and teams who have supported and challenged me along the way,” Baise said. “Being named an AONL fellow underscores that high-quality leadership and forward-thinking care are thriving here in eastern North Carolina, even in a complex and rapidly changing health care environment. It strengthens my commitment to advancing nursing practice, developing future leaders and contributing to the broader dialogue about how nursing can lead meaningful change in health care.”
AONL is the national professional organization of more than 12,000 nurse leaders and is the voice of nursing leadership across the nation. AONL advances the professional development of nurse leaders through innovative and competency-based learning experiences as well as advocates for the perspective and needs of nurse leaders are addressed in public policy issues related to nursing and patient care. Nurse leaders who attain AONL Fellow Designation are committed to shaping the future of nursing leadership through expert leadership practice, mentoring developing leaders and contributing to AONL at the regional and national levels.
Baise, who joined ECU Health in 2023, brings more than 30 years of health care experience to her role, overseeing all nursing functions across the health system. Under her leadership, ECU Health achieved its third Magnet recognition, underscoring the system’s commitment to nursing excellence. She also championed the Advancing Nursing Practice and Excellence (APEX) initiative, which focuses on innovation, research and collaboration to advance nursing in rural health care. Through partnerships with East Carolina University and regional colleges, ECU Health invests in the future of nursing by offering residency programs that equip new nurses with essential skills.
“ECU Health is proud to have Trish as a nursing leader whose commitment to excellence reflects the collective work happening across our organization,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “Our nurses and leaders consistently demonstrate innovation, compassion and a deep dedication to serving our communities while also caring for one another, which is why ECU Health continues to be recognized as a national model for rural health care. Under Trish’s leadership, nursing at ECU Health has thrived, advanced and continued to innovate in ways that strengthen the future of care for eastern North Carolina.”
Baise’s achievement reflects not only her personal dedication but also the collective efforts of ECU Health to define a new standard for nursing in eastern North Carolina and beyond.
“This recognition sends an important message that nursing leadership excellence is not limited by geography,” Baise said. “Rural communities face unique challenges, but they are also places of innovation, deep relationships and meaningful impact. I hope this inspires nurses in rural communities to see themselves as leaders and change agents and reinforces the importance of continuing to advocate for resources, education and opportunities that strengthen rural health care.”
Greenville, N.C. — ECU Health, the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center and EastCare today announced the arrival of North Carolina’s first medical transport helicopter dedicated solely to pediatric patients. This milestone investment ensures that children across eastern North Carolina—especially those in rural and underserved communities—have rapid, safe access to the highly specialized, critical care they need.
Designed as a fully equipped mobile intensive care unit (ICU), the new aircraft brings advanced subspecialty expertise directly to the region’s sickest and most vulnerable children. Its capabilities allow care to begin the moment transport starts, reducing critical time to treatment for patients who often live far from specialty services.
“One third of the children we transport are premature or neonatal infants, many of whom need highly-specialized care,” said Dr. Matthew Ledoux, pediatrician in chief at Maynard Children’s Hospital and chair of pediatrics at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.
“This new helicopter gives us the ability to reach these babies faster, stabilize them sooner and deliver ICU level care from the very first moments of transport. It is truly a game changer for pediatric and neonatal outcomes in eastern North Carolina.”
The helicopter carries specialized neonatal and pediatric equipment—including ventilators designed for the smallest patients—and features a spacious, child friendly interior. The environment allows clinical teams to deliver both intensive medical treatment and developmentally supportive care in a space where children can feel safe and comforted. Much of the equipment in the aircraft was funded by generous donors through the ECU Health Foundation.
Used exclusively for hospital to hospital transfers, the helicopter expands regional capacity and strengthens resource allocation across ECU Health’s service area. The aircraft also enables providers to fly out to support deliveries and neonatal resuscitations, bringing critical expertise directly to local hospitals when seconds matter.
“This investment reflects ECU Health’s commitment to access and exceptional care for every child in our region,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “Families should not have to travel long distances or face barriers to receive specialized pediatric services just because they live in a rural community. By placing this resource in eastern North Carolina, we’re bringing life-saving care closer to home and advancing our mission to improve the health and well-being of those we serve.”
This new helicopter builds on a decade long legacy of life-saving care provided by EastCare and Maynard Children’s Hospital as this year marks the 10-year anniversary of ECU Health’s children’s transport team. By significantly reducing transport times and increasing access to advanced care, the new helicopter is poised to improve outcomes for thousands of children across eastern North Carolina.
To learn more about the new helicopter and access images and video, please visit: go.ecuhealth.org/helicopter
Greenville, NC – The North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) announced that Brian Floyd, MBA, RN, Chief Operating Officer of ECU Health, has been elected to serve as chair of the association’s 2026–2027 Board of Trustees. As chair, Floyd will help guide the association’s strategic direction and oversee its efforts to advance policies and partnerships that improve the health of communities across North Carolina.
“I am honored to serve as chair of the NCHA Board of Trustees to work alongside leaders from across the state to strengthen our health care system and support the incredible teams who care for our communities every day,” said Floyd. “Ensuring that rural health care remains at the forefront of statewide policy and investment will continue to be a driving priority for me as we move forward together. I look forward to championing the health care needs of North Carolinians and helping expand access to high‑quality care across our state, especially in rural communities.”
Floyd began his career as a nurse in the post‑operative cardiac surgery unit at ECU Health Medical Center and brings nearly three decades of experience in health care leadership and operations. His administrative roles have included physician practice management, service line development, hospital operations and serving as the president of ECU Health Medical Center where he led several expansions to today’s nearly 1,000 bed capacity. He now serves as chief operating officer for ECU Health with oversight of the health system clinical enterprise in eastern North Carolina.
A long‑time advocate for rural health care, Floyd is deeply committed to meeting the health needs of the region. He also contributes his expertise on several national and state boards, including the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board, the North Carolina State Health Coordinating Council and the NCWorks Commission (by gubernatorial appointment), the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeship, Pitt Community College Board and the NCHA Board. Floyd has served on the NCHA Board since 2023 and is currently serving as NCHA Chair.
“NCHA is incredibly fortunate to have Brian Floyd as our Board Chair,” said NCHA President and CEO Josh Dobson. “His exceptional leadership and extensive expertise in providing high quality healthcare, especially in a rural setting, makes him the ideal chair for our advocacy organization. His proven ability to build strong relationships and navigate complex health care challenges positions us well toward achieving our goals of improving the health of our state.”
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health is proud to announce Trish Baise, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAONL, ECU Health chief nursing executive, was recently named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) to know. The annual recognition highlights exceptional nursing executives who are shaping the future of patient care through strategic leadership, innovation and a deep commitment to supporting the nursing workforce.
“I am honored to be included in this recognition, which reflects the incredible work of ECU Health nurses who are driving creative solutions that strengthen our workforce and expand access to high quality care in rural communities,” said Baise. “I am fortunate to lead a team who is actively shaping the future of nursing across our region. Their unwavering commitment to our patients continues to elevate the standard of care in eastern North Carolina, and I’m grateful to work alongside them as we serve our community.”
Baise brings more than 30 years of experience in both urban and rural nursing environments. She leads a systemwide nursing workforce spanning nine hospitals and more than 100 clinics. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing ECU Health’s Advancing Nursing Practice and Excellence (APEX) initiative, which focuses on innovation, research and collaboration to elevate nursing practice in rural communities. Under her guidance, ECU Health earned its third Magnet recognition, underscoring the system’s commitment to nursing excellence. Baise is also a strong advocate for non‑traditional pathways into nursing, reflecting her own journey, which began as a fire department dispatcher before she became a paramedic, flight paramedic, flight nurse, emergency department and ICU nurse, and later director of a flight program before advancing into senior nursing leadership.
“ECU Health is proud to have Trish as our nursing leader – who has strengthened the culture and elevated the standard of care across eastern North Carolina,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “As the region’s leading health care provider and educator, we carry a responsibility to shape the future of rural health care, and Trish recognizes that our success depends on attracting and supporting exceptional nurses and care teams. Her commitment to our mission is helping ECU Health advance the model for rural academic health care and set the standard for nursing in our region.”
The nursing leaders recognized by Becker’s play a crucial role in shaping the future of nursing, tasked with addressing nurse staffing shortages, managing budgets and fostering growth opportunities for emerging nurses. Beyond leading nursing departments, CNOs drive innovative initiatives that uphold high patient care standards. Their roles demand a unique blend of clinical expertise and executive leadership.