A staff report
On March 19, 2024, Spencer Cummings, the President of Bladen County Hospital-Cape Fear Valley Health, was the featured speaker at the Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce meeting. The event took place at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market, with Burneys Sweets and More providing catering services. Cummings shared insights on the challenges and the encouraging developments within rural healthcare.
Cummings is dedicated to enhancing the healthcare services in Bladen County and improving community access to care. He highlighted his approach to leadership, stating, “My focus is on servant leadership. It’s about serving the community.” His strategy for achieving these goals involves a collaborative effort with local educational institutions to recruit and train healthcare professionals through internships and scholarships. Cummings believes that “Utilizing community resources is key to success.”
A noteworthy advancement he discussed was the construction of a new Cape Fear Valley Medical Office Building, located in the Elizabethtown Industrial Park. This facility aims to offer comprehensive healthcare with Primary Care and Express Care services, although the search for a Primary Care provider is still underway.
Cummings underscored the importance of continuous improvement in healthcare services and resources. He mentioned, “We’ve added certified physicians to our emergency department,” as part of the efforts to enhance care quality. Building robust community ties is also a priority, with Cummings engaging in efforts like the Bladen County Healthy Collaborative and dialogues with local government officials.
Improving the hospital’s infrastructure is another critical aspect of his mission. Plans include offering permanent MRI services and updating various departments within the hospital. Cummings assured the community of the hospital’s preparedness for public health emergencies, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and resource enhancement.
The Bladen County community and Chamber members are excited about these developments. The meeting also highlighted upcoming community events, including a “Touch A Truck Event” by Bladen Community College, an AI presentation by the BCC Small Business Center, and Barefoot Brew’s second annual Pink Out for Breast Cancer event. No dates were given for the events announced.
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