In this episode of Carolina Newsmakers, host Don Curtis welcomes Dr. Wesley Burks, the CEO of UNC Health and the Dean of the UNC School of Medicine. The discussion centers on a groundbreaking collaboration between UNC and Duke University to establish North Carolina’s first freestanding children’s hospital. Dr. Burks shares insights into the challenges, opportunities, and impact this initiative will have on the state’s pediatric health care system.
The Vision for a Freestanding Children’s Hospital
North Carolina is currently the largest state in the country without a dedicated children’s hospital. Both Duke and UNC have outstanding pediatric programs, but they are currently housed within adult hospitals. Dr. Burks explains that this new partnership will allow them to create a world-class facility dedicated entirely to pediatric care.
The planned hospital will bring together specialized pediatric services from both institutions, including intensive care, surgery, dermatology, endocrinology, and more. Labor and delivery services will remain at the adult hospitals, but all pediatric care will be transferred to the new site.
Addressing Health Care Gaps for North Carolina’s Children
North Carolina’s pediatric health care statistics fall below the national average. This new hospital is expected to improve access to quality care, especially for children requiring highly specialized treatment. Dr. Burks highlights that North Carolina has one of the highest rates of children being transferred out of state for medical care due to the lack of a local tertiary care facility.
By establishing this new hospital, UNC and Duke aim to provide the level of care that currently forces families to travel elsewhere. The facility will not only serve North Carolina but also surrounding states in the Southeast.
The Scope of the Project
The project involves constructing a state-of-the-art hospital that will eventually house 500 beds, significantly expanding the current capacity of both institutions combined. The new medical complex will include:
- A 500-bed pediatric hospital
- A medical office building for outpatient services
- A dedicated research facility focused on pediatric health
- A behavioral health building with 75 to 100 beds to address the growing need for child and adolescent mental health services
The entire project is expected to cost approximately $3 billion. The state government has already committed several hundred million dollars to the initiative, and additional funding will come from philanthropic efforts and borrowing.
Timeline and Location
The search for an ideal location within the Research Triangle is underway, with expectations that the site will be finalized within the next six months. The facility will be built on 150 to 200 acres to allow for a spacious, park-like environment designed for children and their families.
While construction will take several years, the goal is to begin operations in phases. The behavioral health facility is expected to be the first to open in about five years, followed by the medical office building and, ultimately, the main hospital.
Impact on UNC and Duke’s Existing Facilities
With pediatric services moving to the new hospital, existing spaces at UNC and Duke will be repurposed for adult care. This transition will help accommodate the growing demand for medical services at both institutions.
Expanding Access Beyond the Triangle
Dr. Burks emphasizes that this hospital is not just for the Triangle region but for the entire state and beyond. UNC and Duke plan to partner with smaller hospitals and pediatric providers across North Carolina to create a statewide pediatric health network. The new hospital will serve as the central hub, while regional partners will continue providing primary and secondary pediatric care closer to home.
A Transformational Investment in Child Health
This collaboration between UNC and Duke represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform pediatric care in North Carolina. By combining resources, expertise, and funding, they hope to create a facility that will set a new standard for children’s hospitals in the Southeast.
Dr. Burks expresses excitement about the overwhelmingly positive response from legislators, donors, and the medical community. He believes this initiative will be a game-changer for the state, ensuring that North Carolina families have access to world-class pediatric care without having to leave home.
