Beginning October 1, 2011 University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina will shorten its name to University Health System (UHS), and Pitt County Memorial Hospital (PCMH) will change its name to UHS Medical Center (UHSMC). The hospital’s name change was made to align it with the health system, reflecting its role as the region’s only teaching hospital and Level 1 Trauma Center.

“We are continually assessing how we can better serve the people and communities of eastern North Carolina,” said Dave McRae, CEO of UHS. “We want to simplify our name and our system naming structure to communicate directly and plainly who we are, what we offer and the value we bring to the communities we serve.”

UHS was created in 1997 and has grown to include eight hospitals that serve 29 counties and provided access to care for more than 1.4 million people. About 60 percent of PCMH patients travel to the Greenville-based hospital from outside of Pitt County. The System also has added physician groups and incorporated home health, hospice and wellness to the services offered.