I worked for Novant in Charlotte when they took over my wonderful local hospital in 2006. What was once revered in the community became topic of conversation with long-time patients about how culture had changed (for worse). I thought I knew Novant until I moved to Wilmington and found that, in contrast, the services in Charlotte shine in comparison (even though less than great!). It is impossible to get an appointment in a timely manner, even in the event of an emergency, and the staff all take a cavalier attitude, regardless of the complaint. Since when does it take six weeks to get an appointment when you have a major back injury and the doctor will not even talk to you about ineffective medications that she insists will help (NOT!) Apparently, I do not understand that I am supposed to remain in pain (I am a medical professional and know how debilitating pain can be regaring efficacy of recovery.) I have never been treated in such a dismissive manner as I have been at this organization in Wilmington. I am in the process of moving from Wilmington - with primary goal to get away from this medical service. In the meantime, I will be transferring to the other local medical service - perhaps smaller but has to be better than what I have encountered with Novant here. I never would have made move to Wilmington if I had known how terrible the medical care is!
Novant's decline is clear — bureaucratic, dismissive, and useless when you need real care. You're making the right call by switching providers and moving. Spread the word so others don’t suffer the same.