Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC
Q4 2010 - Market Summary

The near term demand for health care workers in the Charlotte metropolitan area weakened during Q4. Of note, Dorothea Dix, the state’s oldest mental facility, appeared likely to close. On a positive note, CaroMont Health’s application to construct a $24.2 million freestanding-emergency department in Mount Holly was upheld by state regulators, and Carolinas HealthCare System announced that work is to begin on an $8.8 million freestanding-emergency department in Huntersville.

Q4 Workforce Announcements

Official: Dix closing is the only option. December 1, 2010
The last patient probably will be admitted at Dorothea Dix Hospital this week, marking the impending end of 154 years of continuous operation at the state’s oldest mental facility. Lanier Cansler, the state’s secretary for Health and Human Services, said he doesn’t want to close Dix. But facing a looming budget deficit after years of deep cuts, he said he has little choice.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/12/01/1877717/official-dix-closing-is-the-only.html

Previous market news

Hospitals & Health Systems

Source: US News & World Report

Education Program Expansion and Closures

Central Piedmont Community College plans occupational-therapy program on main campus. November 5, 2010
Central Piedmont Community College is seeking state approval to add an occupational-therapy assistant program to its curriculum next fall. But before that can happen, the college must secure funding from outside partners to cover expenses for the operation’s first two years
http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2010/11/18/chs-to-announce-huntersville-er.html

Education Programs

Source: The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Health of the Local Economy

Declining home prices may cause healthcare employees to seek additional hours from current employers, delay retirement plans and be more willing to relocate for a better job opportunities. Below is the Case-Shiller Home Price Index for the overall Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC market.

Source: http://www2.standardandpoors.com accessed 1/5/2011

Lower home ownership rates reduce the impact of home price fluctuations and increase the willingness of healthcare employees to relocate for better job opportunities. Below are home ownership rates for the overall Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC market.

Source: www.census.gov accessed 1/5/2011

The recent rising unemployment rates create new demands for health services. Higher unemployment shifts the mix away from higher margin procedures to more primary care in the emergency room and critical care for conditions that should have been treated early at a primary care physician. In general, rising unemployment also reduces turnover and engagement of employed workers, while low unemployment tends to increase intra market churn. Below are unemployment rates for the overall Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC market.

Source: www.bls.gov accessed 1/5/2011

Additional Factors Influencing HWS Labor Market Pulse^TM Index

• U.S. Census Bureau Population 1,701,799, 34th largest market
• U.S Census Bureau Population 228th oldest market
• U.S. Census Bureau Population Growth 27.9%, 16th fastest growing market