CHARLOTTE — Duke Health and CaroMont Health are proposing two new hospitals in Charlotte: a 120-bed hospital near Mallard Creek Church Road and Interstate 85 in northeast Charlotte and an 80-bed hospital in the River District near Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
CaroMont and Duke formed the new partnership, saying the goal is to bring more advanced medical care closer to where people live.
As Charlotte grows, so does the demand for hospital care. And for people in University City, it’s about getting the care they need when they need it.
“Even with coverage, it just took a very long time to actually get diagnosed and find out what the problem was,” said Blue Sanders, a Charlotte business owner.
Sanders, who owns Bulldog Window Cleaning, spends his days helping people see things a little more clearly.
He said waiting hours left him looking for answers of his own when a sciatic injury sent him to the ER.
“It just doesn’t seem like there’s enough employees helping the people that are actually waiting,” Sanders said.
The healthcare systems intend to submit certificate-of-need applications for the hospitals in the Queen City.
“Much of the advanced care is required to drive into the central corner of Charlotte,” said Chris Peek, president and CEO of CaroMont Health. “These facilities will allow us to provide that same advanced care around the perimeter and closer to where people live.”
The partnership could also bring more access to Duke specialists and clinical trials, but first, both hospitals need state approval.
“We are confident that we can enhance access. We can improve quality, provide care closer to home, and ensure that the needs of this growing community are met for the decades ahead,” said Dr. David Zaas, chief executive officer of Duke University Health System.
The health systems hope for a decision from the state by March.
The hospitals could open by the end of 2031 if approved.