US-based academic and healthcare system Duke Health has agreed to acquire Lake Norman Regional Medical Center (LNRMC) and related businesses from subsidiaries of Community Health Systems for around $280m.

Expected to close early next year, the acquisition will give Duke Health ownership of the 123-bed acute care hospital in Mooresville, North Carolina.

LNRMC's services include 24-hour emergency care, labour and delivery, surgical, cardiology, orthopaedic care, and an outpatient imaging centre.

Duke University Health System (DUHS) CEO Craig Albanese said: “We recognise the health care landscape is changing.

“While we continue to expand access to care within the communities we serve, it’s also time to do more and deliver care to more people – in more communities.

“We want to bring access to all that Duke Health has to offer to the Lake Norman community.”

Both parties are currently in the early stages of transition planning to ensure uninterrupted patient access to clinics, providers and facilities.

Employees and community physicians at LNRMC are expected to continue providing care under the new organisation.

DUHS senior vice-president and chief medical officer Richard Shannon said: “We know providers and team members are key to the success of any health system.

“We are eager to support LNRMC providers and employees in their mission to deliver exceptional care and an exceptional patient experience.

“We will further the Duke Health mission by meeting the evolving health needs of every community we serve in a compassionate, collaborative and cost-effective manner.

Duke Health said it is committed to improving health outcomes across the region and that this acquisition aligns with the company’s vision to advance clinical care.

The acquisition is subject to customary regulatory clearances and other closing conditions.

Healthcare management consulting company Kaufman Hall served as exclusive financial advisor to Duke Health for this deal.