UNC Health, Duke Health to Partner on New Children’s Health System

Jan. 28, 2025
An initial $320 million investment into N.C. Children’s made by the State of North Carolina in early 2024 advanced discussions for a collaboration between both entities

UNC Health and Duke Health are uniting to create a new children’s health system in North Carolina, featuring the state’s first freestanding hospital dedicated to caring for kids.

The two institutions have filed articles of incorporation with the State of North Carolina to establish NC Children’s as a private, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Plans for NC Children’s feature a 500-bed children’s hospital, a children’s outpatient care center and a children’s behavioral health center. 

A freestanding children’s hospital in North Carolina has been a decade-long goal for both institutions. An initial $320 million investment into N.C. Children’s made by the State of North Carolina in early 2024 advanced discussions for a collaboration between both entities.
The comprehensive children’s health campus will be located at a yet-to-be identified site in the Research Triangle and will include a research and education enterprise backed by the medical schools of both universities.

The partnership aims to provide a higher volume of highly specialized pediatric care, enabling families from across the state to remain in North Carolina when seeking complex care.

“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 Wesley Burks, M.D., CEO of UNC Health and dean of the UNC School of Medicine, in a statement. “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 Craig Albanese, M.D., CEO of Duke University Health System, in a statement. “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 health systems said their partnership will allow each of the clinical teams to expand their existing children’s clinical programs and research portfolio, and that the combined organization will create a destination for top pediatric subspecialists, researchers, residents, and fellows.

NC Children’s will develop a practice model for providers from both Duke and UNC, allowing them to retain their existing academic appointments. NC Children’s will have an open medical staff, meaning that qualified providers may apply for privileges, even if they are not affiliated with either school.

The partners plan to break ground together on the new NC Children’s campus by 2027, with construction of the campus expected to take approximately six years.

 

Sponsored Recommendations

Cloud Communications: Connecting Care at the Core

Cloud communications is the present, the recent past, and the future of collaborative healthcare.

The Ultimate HIPAA Security Guide for Cloud Communications

The healthcare industry is leading the charge in innovation, embracing cutting-edge technologies to enhance patient care and optimize operations. Forward-thinking organizations...

Improving Workplace Safety and Patient Care in Behavioral Health

In 2023, Vail Health enhanced safety in their behavioral health clinic, but the impact went beyond their expectations. Read their case study to see how prioritizing workplace ...

Transforming Hospital Capacity Through Smarter Patient Progression Strategies

Helping patients move seamlessly through every stage of their care, from admission to discharge, is critical to ensuring patient safety, improving outcomes, and optimizing capacity...