North Carolina Construction News staff writer
UNC Health and Duke Health are uniting to build North Carolina’s first freestanding hospital dedicated to caring for children.
The two institutions filed articles of incorporation with the State of North Carolina to establish NC Children’s, a private, 500-bed children’s hospital with a children’s outpatient care center and behavioral health center.
A freestanding children’s hospital in North Carolina has been a decade-long goal for both institutions. An initial $320 million has been announced by the state in early 2024 advanced discussions for a collaboration between both entities.
“This is an unprecedented partnership between UNC Health and Duke Health, aimed at elevating the care that’s available for all children in North Carolina,” said Wesley Burks, M.D., CEO of UNC Health and dean of the UNC School of Medicine. “I’m delighted to work with our colleagues at Duke to create something that will make all North Carolinians proud and change lives for generations to come.”
The comprehensive children’s health campus will be located at a yet-to-be identified site in the Triangle and will include a research and education center backed by the medical schools of both universities.
“Children are the heart of our future, and families across North Carolina deserve access to the most comprehensive, highest quality care for their children,” said Craig Albanese, M.D., CEO of Duke University Health System. “This is a tremendous and unique opportunity to work together to reimagine how we deliver life-changing care to our region’s most vulnerable and we are grateful for the support of our state’s legislature.”
The partnership between both health systems will allow each of the clinical teams to expand their existing children’s clinical programs and research portfolios. The combined organization will create a destination for top pediatric subspecialists, researchers, residents, and fellows.
“This dedicated children’s hospital will reflect our commitment to providing best possible care for children – not only now but for generations to come,” said Mary E. Klotman, M.D., executive vice-president for Health Affairs for Duke University, chief academic officer of Duke Health and dean of Duke University School of Medicine.
The partners plan to break ground together on the new NC Children’s campus by 2027, with construction of the campus expected to take approximately six years.