US-based healthcare group Novant Health has held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new $154m community hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center is set to officially open on 12 June and is expected to meet the healthcare needs of the growing suburban population in southern Mecklenburg County.

It will offer a range of services, including emergency and inpatient care, diagnostic and surgical services, maternity care and speciality care in areas such as women's health, orthopaedics and cancer.

The 168,181ft² facility features an emergency department, 36 patient beds, a labour and delivery area, diagnostic equipment and surgical operating suites.

A medical office building will also be located on-site, providing outpatient imaging and speciality care services.

The medical office building and hospital are situated on a 38-acre site, which was previously home to the Hall Family Farm.

The medical centre includes scenic walking trails for patients and visitors.

Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center president Saad Ehtisham said: “Our mission has and will always be focused on improving the health of our communities, one person at a time.

“We determined, based on the significant growth in the region, that it was vital to expand our offerings to better serve patients in the Ballantyne area.

“Like our other community hospitals, Ballantyne Medical Center will serve as a state-of-the-art medical facility and allow patients to receive the care they need close to home.”

Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center president Ben Brodersen said: “Ballantyne Medical Center and the outpatient services we co-located on campus were designed with the needs of the community in mind, including the flexibility to grow and add services as needed.

"Whether your family is growing or you’re an older adult in need of orthopaedic support, we can meet the needs of every life stage.”