Duke and CaroMont plan two new hospitals to expand Charlotte healthcare access

Duke Health and CaroMont Health are partnering to build two new hospitals in Mecklenburg County to expand healthcare access, WRAL affiliate power98fm.com reported. The planned facilities include a 120-bed hospital in the University City area and an 80-bed hospital in the River District.

The partners have filed Certificate of Need applications for the hospitals, which would add 200 beds toward the county's need for 389 total beds, according to DukeHealth.com. This joint venture is a 50-50 partnership with shared governance and leadership, said Duke University Health System CEO Dr. David Zaas, as reported by NC Newsline.

A primary goal of the partnership is to improve access to clinical trials and healthcare innovation, according to Dr. Zaas via Chief Healthcare Executive. Currently, most healthcare facilities are concentrated in Uptown Charlotte, leaving residents in rural or remote areas with limited hospital access.

CaroMont Health President and CEO Chris Peek told WFAE that many patients needing advanced care must travel into central Charlotte. The new hospitals aim to provide advanced care closer to where people live, especially around the city's perimeter.

If approved, a jointly owned and led company by Duke Health and CaroMont Health would manage both hospitals, sharing ownership equally, power98fm.com reported. This collaboration intends to improve health services for communities in Mecklenburg County.