RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – Two of the largest healthcare systems in the region are coming together to construct a brand-new children’s hospital – the first facility of its kind in North Carolina.
Duke Health and UNC Health announced a collaboration Tuesday to raise funds in order to build a flagship pediatric hospital in the Triangle area. This facility will feature the state’s first freestanding hospital dedicated to child healthcare.
On Tuesday, the two institutions filed articles of incorporation with state leaders to establish N.C. Children’s as a private, tax-exempt organization, according to a joint news release. This project will include a 500-bed children’s hospital, a children’s outpatient care center, as well as a children’s behavioral health center.
This marks one of the biggest partnerships ever between these providers, which have been two of the region’s biggest healthcare rivals for years.
Leaders at Duke Health and UNC Health stated that a freestanding children’s hospital in North Carolina has been a decade-long goal for these institutions. In early 2024. the state made an initial investment of $320 million, which escalated conversations between both entities, and successfully moved the project forward.
“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 Dr. Wesley Burks, 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.”
“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 Dr. Craig Albanese, 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 is meant to provide a higher volume of highly specialized pediatric care, allowing families statewide to remain in North Carolina when seeking complex care, health leaders said.
“This dedicated children’s hospital will reflect our commitment to providing the best possible care for children – not only now but for generations to come,” said Dr. Mary E. Klotman, executive vice president for Health Affairs at Duke University, chief academic officer of Duke Health and dean of Duke University School of Medicine.
This collaborative effort will also enable the clinical teams for both health systems to expand their existing children’s programs and research portfolios, creating a destination for top pediatric subspecialists, researchers, residents and fellows.
“It will foster groundbreaking pediatric research and first-class education and training for health care professionals,” Klotman said. “By uniting our institutions and disciplines, we can give children the healthy lives they deserve, achieve remarkable breakthroughs, and nurture the future leaders of health care.”
According to Tuesday’s news release, the location of the planned children’s health campus hasn’t been determined at this time, but partners aim to break ground at the new site by 2027. Construction is estimated to take approximately six years to complete.
“There is a great deal of mutual respect between our institutions, and we both want the same thing for the children of North Carolina – the best care, close to home,” Burks said.
