2. Carolinas Medical Center—Union
City: Monroe, NC
Category: Health Care
Telephone: (704) 283-3100
Address: 600 Hospital Dr.
Description: Union County, southeast of Charlotte, is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. This 223-bed facility is meeting the growth demand with a $47-million expansion that has brought advanced equipment, more outpatient services, and a chance to treat local patients in their own backyard. In April 2002 the hospital unveiled a new observation unit and chest pain center to reduce hospital time and make room for patients with more serious ailments. The hospital’s 64,000-square-foot outpatient and cancer care center, unveiled in late 2002, is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.