DURHAM and CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – UNC Health and Duke Health are teaming up to build North Carolina’s first stand-alone children’s hospital. This exciting new venture is part of a shared vision to improve healthcare for kids in the state.
The two organizations have taken a big step by filing articles of incorporation for NC Children’s, a nonprofit organization dedicated to children’s health. The plan includes a 500-bed hospital, alongside outpatient care and a behavioral health center specifically for children.
Creating an independent children’s hospital has been a goal for a decade. A recent state investment of $320 million has sparked renewed collaboration between UNC and Duke, pushing this dream closer to reality.
The new health campus will be located in the Triangle area, though the exact site is yet to be announced. It will not just be a hospital; it will also focus on research and education, supported by both universities’ medical schools.
The goal is clear: to provide specialized pediatric care within North Carolina. This will help families access high-quality services without needing to travel far from home.
“This partnership is historic for North Carolina,” said Wesley Burks, M.D., CEO of UNC Health. “We are excited to join forces with Duke to create something impactful for children and families.”
Craig Albanese, M.D., CEO of Duke University Health System, highlighted the importance of this initiative. “We believe every child in North Carolina deserves top-notch care. Together, we can reshape how health services are delivered to families in need.”
Mary E. Klotman, M.D., from Duke Health, emphasized the commitment to future generations. “This hospital is about more than just treating illness. It will focus on innovative research and training healthcare professionals to ensure children receive the best care possible.”
This collaboration will enhance the existing pediatric programs at both institutions. The combined efforts will attract leading specialists and researchers, creating a hub of pediatric healthcare excellence.
“We both share a commitment to providing the best care for children, right here in North Carolina,” Burks added.
The groundbreaking for NC Children’s is scheduled for 2027, with construction expected to take around six years.
NC Children’s Facts:
- Campus: A sprawling 100+ acre campus in the Triangle, featuring a 500-bed hospital, surgical center, and behavioral health facility, as well as play and rehabilitation areas.
- Organization: NC Children’s is a premiere nonprofit organization dedicated to children’s health.
- Services: Pediatric clinical services from UNC and Duke will transfer to NC Children’s.
- Pediatric Research and Education: Research and educational activities will continue under the auspices of the UNC and Duke schools of medicine.
- Affiliations: NC Children’s will maintain academic ties with both Duke and UNC, serving as their pediatric teaching hospital.
- Practice Model: NC Children’s will allow both hospitals’ providers to retain their academic roles, welcoming qualified providers from outside institutions.
- Timeline: The hospital is anticipated to open in the early 2030s, with some services available a few years earlier.
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