An interview with Dr. Crystal Hayden, UNC Health Lenoir CEO
Dr. Crystal Hayden joined UNC Health Lenoir as CEO about three months ago and is already working on the hospital's long-term stability. UNC Health Lenoir has served our community for 117 years and treats thousands of patients annually. Neuse News Publisher BJ Murphy visited Dr. Hayden to learn more about her and the recently unveiled Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at UNC Health Lenoir
During the interview, Dr. Hayden, who has been in eastern North Carolina since 1995, discussed the hospital's financial challenges and its commitment to stability and growth.
“My responsibility, and the leadership team’s responsibility, here is to ensure that this hospital remains a community resource well into the future, so when you do have to come visit us at 2:00 in the morning in the emergency department, it doesn't feel quite so strange and quite so scary,” said Hayden.
UNC Lenoir affiliated with the UNC Health Care System in 2017
In addition to touring the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Dr. Hayden highlighted the hospital's collaboration with Lenoir Community College to address workforce development and the nursing shortage, emphasizing their preparedness for future healthcare challenges, including potential outbreaks. Dr. Hayden also discussed the importance of the Kinston Community Health Center as a valuable healthcare resource for the community, ensuring accessible healthcare for all residents.
UC Health Lenoir has 199 beds and has served the greater Kinston community for over 117 years.