General Introduction ------------ The changes we've made could change your life. We know that life is a dynamic and often unpredictable journey which is why CaroMont Health in Gastonia, North Carolina has grown steadily to meet the region's changing needs. From a small hospital that opened its doors more than 50 years ago, the 435-bed Gaston Memorial Hospital is now the anchor for CaroMont Health, an independent, not-for-profit health care system. Eight affiliate companies including a network of 17 primary and specialty physician offices deliver state of the art health care to the southwest Piedmont area. The CaroMont Heart Center provides a full range of life-saving cardiac care including open heart surgery. And, the Comprehensive Cancer Center provides advanced 3-D radiation treatment planning and chemotherapy. An expansive, surgical suite offers the latest advancements such as stereotactic technology, a procedure using computer similation, microscopic surgery and x-ray images for pinpoint accuracy. A neonatal intensive care unit for high risk infants and a pre-adolescent psychiatric center are among the latest services aimed at improving the health status of our community. CaroMont Health is an organization with nearly 300 physicians and 2,300 health care professionals working to provide the finest care to those who are sick, and effective prevention strategies to those who are well.