Duke Health and CaroMont Health announced a partnership to develop two new hospitals in Mecklenburg County, aiming to expand access to specialized medical services and respond to population growth in the Charlotte region.
As a first step, both organizations submitted two Certificate of Need applications to the North Carolina authorities, a state requirement to authorize certain medical infrastructure projects.
The proposal calls for the construction of a 120-bed hospital in the University City area, near Mallard Creek Church Road and Interstate 85, northeast of the city. The other proposed hospital would be an 80-bed facility in the River District, near the airport.
According to North Carolina's 2026 State Medical Facilities Plan, Mecklenburg County needs an additional 389 hospital beds. The two proposed hospitals would provide 200 beds to help meet some of the demand.
More healthcare options close to home
Currently, a significant portion of the Mecklenburg County Advanced Hospital Services It is concentrated in downtown Charlotte and its surrounding areas.
With the construction of the new hospitals, Duke Health and CaroMont Health seek to facilitate access to specialized medical services for families living in other areas of the county, reducing the need to travel to the city center to receive certain treatments.
“At its core, this alliance is about people. It’s about the patients and families who trust us today and the generations who will depend on us in the future,” said Chris Peek, president and CEO of CaroMont Health.
What will each health system contribute?
The alliance will combine the expertise of two medical organizations with a long history in North Carolina.
Duke Health will contribute its capabilities to medical care Specialized and highly complex clinical research, clinical trials, innovation, and medical education. Their participation will expand access to services linked to an academic health system.
CaroMont Health has nearly 80 years of experience serving patients in Gaston County and surrounding communities. It currently operates a regional network of physicians, offices, and specialty services.
“The Charlotte region is growing rapidly and needs more access to medical services "and more high-quality care options locally," said David W. Zaas, CEO of Duke University Health System.
Related: Where can I find community clinics in Buncombe County?
When will the new hospitals open?
Although the projects have already been submitted to the state, their construction has not been approved.
The applications for Certificate of Need are currently under review and both organizations expect to receive a decision by the end of March 2027.
If state authorities grant the necessary permits and development progresses as planned, the hospitals could begin operating in 2031.
The specific medical services that each facility will offer have not yet been announced.
If the initiative materializes, the hospitals would be owned by a new company shared equally by Duke Health y CaroMont Health, who would also jointly assume its management and operation.
However, both institutions would maintain their independence and continue to manage their current facilities and services separately.
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