UNC Health and Duke Health have announced an ambitious partnership to build North Carolina's first freestanding pediatric hospital, which is expected to be a game-changer in the state’s healthcare landscape. With an estimated cost of $2 billion, this project is set to address the growing demand for pediatric care while expanding services for children in need. The new facility will serve as a comprehensive children’s health system, with a 500-bed hospital, outpatient care center, behavioral health center, ambulatory surgical center, and medical office building.

The campus will be located in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, which includes the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. This region is home to some of the state's leading universities—The University of North Carolina, Duke University, and North Carolina State University—and is a hub for medical and scientific research. While the exact location within the Research Triangle has yet to be determined, the area’s prominence makes it an ideal spot for a state-of-the-art pediatric health center.

This project has been in the works for over a decade, with both Duke Health and UNC Health recognizing the need for a freestanding children’s hospital. The vision for such a facility has been bolstered by an investment of $320 million from the state of North Carolina in early 2024, which provided the necessary funding to advance the planning process. The new hospital will not only benefit the residents of the Research Triangle but also those from other parts of the state who will have access to world-class pediatric care in their own backyard.

UNC Health and Duke Health are committed to creating a hospital that will deliver high-quality care and treatment for children across various specialties, including behavioral health, surgery, and general pediatric care. One of the key elements of the new hospital is the behavioral health center, which is expected to provide crucial services for children facing mental health challenges. Given the increasing demand for mental health resources, particularly for younger populations, the inclusion of a dedicated behavioral health facility will be an essential component of the hospital’s services.

The project will also feature an ambulatory surgical center and medical office building, offering comprehensive outpatient services for families in need of specialized care. These centers will enhance the efficiency and accessibility of care, allowing children to receive treatment in a streamlined, patient-focused environment. By incorporating advanced technology, the new hospital will ensure that children and their families receive the best care possible, whether they are undergoing a routine procedure or more complex treatment.

Although the project is still in the early stages of planning, UNC Health and Duke Health are optimistic about the future. Both institutions have yet to select the design team or general contractor for the project, but they are moving forward with plans to break ground in 2027. Construction of the campus is expected to take approximately six years, with the facility opening its doors in the early 2030s. However, certain services, such as the behavioral health center and surgical center, may open before the full hospital is completed in order to meet the pressing demand for pediatric care.

This collaboration between two of the most respected healthcare organizations in the state of North Carolina will help elevate the quality of pediatric care and provide a model for other states in the region. Once completed, the new children’s hospital will serve as a beacon of excellence in healthcare, offering not only medical services but also support, education, and resources for families navigating the complexities of healthcare for their children.

As healthcare demands continue to grow, especially for children and families facing mental health challenges, this project represents an essential step forward in ensuring that North Carolina’s young residents have access to the best care available. The state’s first freestanding pediatric hospital will undoubtedly play a significant role in improving the health and well-being of future generations.

Originally reported by Zachary Phillips in Construction Dive.