UNC Health Rockingham announced this week that ApolloMD will become the new group providing doctors and advanced practice providers for the hospital’s Emergency Department. The partnership marks a new day for emergency care in Rockingham County.

The transition will begin Sept. 1, and ApolloMD is expected to begin providing care on Dec. 1. Over those three months, the hospital and ApolloMD will prepare the new care team and help ensure a seamless change for patients and the care team. The Emergency Department will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and patients should not experience any interruption in care.

“This is a new day for emergency care at UNC Health Rockingham,” said Hospital President Jeff Strickler. “Our goal is to be the place families across Rockingham County choose and trust for emergency care. ApolloMD’s providers will be true partners in transforming care for our patients, bringing their expertise, experience and commitment to quality to our hospital and community.”

ApolloMD’s clinicians will work closely with the hospital’s nurses, leaders and other care teams to share proven approaches and find practical ways to improve emergency care. Their work will build on improvements already underway and support clearer communication, more consistent care and a better experience for patients and families from arrival through discharge or admission.

“We are honored to partner with UNC Health Rockingham and support its commitment to providing exceptional emergency care close to home,” said Laurie Richardson, vice president of operations at ApolloMD. “Working alongside the hospital’s providers, teammates and leaders, we look forward to serving the Rockingham County community with high-quality, timely and compassionate care while identifying new opportunities to strengthen the patient experience.”

ApolloMD is led by clinicians and has more than 40 years of experience working with hospitals and health systems. Because ApolloMD already serves other UNC Health hospitals, its team understands the health system and how its hospitals work together. That familiarity will support an efficient transition and connect UNC Health Rockingham with ideas and experience from across the system.