UNC Health and Duke Health have announced plans to build North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital, aiming to transform pediatric care in the state. The project, named NC Children’s, will be located in the Research Triangle area, encompassing Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. This initiative represents a significant collaboration between two leading academic health systems, traditionally seen as competitors. The collaboration will include a pediatric hospital, outpatient care center, and behavioral health center, all with a focus on efficiency and accessibility, with natural light and flexible spaces to allow for future medical advancements.
A new era in pediatric healthcare
In addition to the 500-bed pediatric hospital, outpatient care center, and behavioral health center, the campus will also host research and education facilities supported by the medical schools of both UNC and Duke. Spanning over 100 acres, construction is expected to begin by 2027, with completion anticipated in six years. The estimated cost of the project exceeds $2 billion, marking it as one of the largest economic development endeavors in North Carolina’s history.
Another key component of the project is the integration of advanced technology and modern design to enhance patient care. The hospital and behavioral health center will be built with a focus on efficiency, accessibility, and a healing environment. Architects and engineers will incorporate designs that maximize natural light, provide flexible spaces for evolving medical needs, and improve workflow for healthcare providers.
This approach ensures that the facility is not only state-of-the-art when it opens but can also adapt to future advancements in pediatric healthcare. By combining innovative construction techniques with input from medical professionals, the project aims to set a new standard for children’s hospitals.
Unified efforts for children’s health
To oversee this ambitious project, UNC Health and Duke Health have filed articles of incorporation to establish a new nonprofit organization, North Carolina Children’s Health. This entity will manage all pediatric services from both university systems, streamlining operations and enhancing the quality of care. The collaboration aims to pool resources and expertise, ensuring that children across the state can access top-tier medical services.
State support and economic impact
The North Carolina General Assembly has demonstrated strong support for the NC Children’s project by allocating an initial $320 million in funding. This financial backing underscores the state’s commitment to improving children’s health services. Beyond healthcare, the project is poised to create thousands of jobs during and after construction, substantially boosting the local economy. Governor Josh Stein highlighted the project’s dual benefits, stating that it will save countless children’s lives while also serving as a significant economic driver for the region.
A vision for the future
The NC Children’s hospital is set to redefine pediatric care in North Carolina. By combining UNC Health’s and Duke Health’s strengths, the facility will offer comprehensive medical services, cutting-edge research opportunities, and robust educational programs. This collaborative approach ensures that the state’s youngest residents receive the best possible care, setting a new standard for children’s health services in the region.
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