RALEIGH, N.C. — Two prominent university-affiliated health systems in North Carolina have announced plans to build the state’s first independent children’s hospital. The initiative, described by its advocates as a transformative project, aims to significantly enhance both health outcomes and economic growth for years to come.
UNC Health and Duke Health disclosed their agreement on Tuesday to develop a 500-bed pediatric hospital in the Research Triangle area, which encompasses Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. In addition to the main hospital, the “NC Children’s” project will feature an outpatient care center specifically for children, along with a center dedicated to behavioral health. The new facility will also support research and educational activities facilitated by the two medical schools associated with the systems, according to a release from the health providers.
The groundbreaking for this expansive 100-acre campus, which has not yet been precisely located, is anticipated by the year 2027, with an estimated construction duration of around six years. The overall cost of this monumental project is projected to exceed $2 billion, necessitating a significant fundraising campaign.
While North Carolina is home to children’s hospitals, such as those run by both Duke and the University of North Carolina, these facilities are integrated within larger hospital networks. The new endeavor is set to be the first complete standalone hospital specifically focused on pediatric care within the state.
“This monumental project will create ripple effects for many years, positively influencing countless individuals in our state and region in ways we probably can’t even envision at this moment,” remarked Dr. Wesley Burks, CEO of UNC Health and dean of the UNC School of Medicine, during a Raleigh event that included officials like Gov. Josh Stein and Senate leader Phil Berger, along with other key figures from education, politics, and healthcare.
The two health systems have taken steps to establish a nonprofit organization named North Carolina Children’s Health, filing the necessary paperwork on Tuesday. Their pediatric clinical services and related programs will be integrated into this new health system.
The concept of establishing a dedicated children’s hospital has long been a vision for both universities, which typically compete in the healthcare space. The legislative provision of an initial $320 million fund for this cause has notably accelerated collaborative discussions between them.
“This collaboration represents an extraordinary opportunity to innovate how we provide transformative care to our region’s most vulnerable populations, and we are thankful for the backing of our state legislators,” stated Dr. Craig Albanese, CEO of Duke University Health System, in a press release.
Gov. Stein emphasized that the hospital will “save the lives of countless children for generations.” He and Berger also highlighted the significant economic impact this project is expected to generate in a state like North Carolina, which is the ninth largest in terms of population.
“This development will generate thousands of jobs during its construction and operational phases, marking it as one of the largest economic projects North Carolina has ever seen,” Berger noted. “This initiative benefits the economy, enhances our children’s health, and strengthens our state’s overall infrastructure.”
