North Carolina OKs Moving Rex Healthcare Hospice Beds
To Hospice of Wake County's Cary Facility

The Certificate of Need Section of the North Carolina Division of Facility Services has approved a joint application filed by Rex Healthcare and Hospice of Wake County to transfer six in-patient hospice beds currently at Rex Hospital to Hospice of Wake County's new facility to be built in Cary. This expands the facility from 14 beds to 20 beds. The two agencies filed for state approval in February 2007.

The facility will be located on eight-acres of land in Cary near the intersection of Trinity Road and Trenton Road, near the Raleigh-Cary border. Groundbreaking is expected to begin in the fall of 2007, pending approvals from the Town of Cary.

"It is with great excitement and gratitude to Rex Healthcare that Hospice of Wake County announces this approval from the State Division of Facility Services," said John Thoma, Chief Executive Officer of Hospice of Wake County.

Thoma said, "As always, we are committed to creating access to quality end of life care for patients and deeply appreciate the generosity of Rex Healthcare in helping us achieve our vision."

Rex is proud of its history and commitment to providing compassionate end-of-life care," said Rex Hospital President David Strong. "Rex was a pioneer in inpatient hospice care in Wake County, but has decided to make this generous gift to Hospice of Wake County – an organization that specializes in palliative care, hospice care and bereavement services." Rex Hospital and Hospice of Wake County have worked together for 27 years. Both organizations share the same priority of providing superior care to patients. Rex Hospital's primary focus is providing acute care services, while Hospice of Wake County's mission is end-of-life care. Hospice staff members are experts at end-of-life care and their new facility will provide a home-like environment for these patients. The CON approval from the state brings a special benefit to the Wake County community.

Hospice of Wake County, currently located in Raleigh, is the oldest, largest and most experienced hospice organization serving Wake and the contiguous counties.

Contact:

Erin E. Nortonen
Community Relations Manager
Hospice of Wake County
Phone: 919-828-0890
Email: enortonen@hospiceofwake.org