UNC plans to build new children's hospital

UNC Health has started planning for a new, standalone children's hospital. A specific location has yet to be determined.

Money from the state budget passed last week will provide the seed for what UNC called a "a monumental partnership," "the first of its kind in North Carolina, providing the highest levels of care."

The hospital will provide medical and behavioral health care tailored to children and adolescent patients. The project is in addition to a new behavioral health hospital for children and adolescents that UNC Health and the state plan to open later this year in Butner.

N.C. Children’s Hospital is still in the design stage, and billions of dollars will have to be raised. UNC has set a goal of opening in eight to 10 years.

Dr. Wesley Burks, CEO of UNC Health and dean of the UNC School of Medicine, said, “The state’s initial investment of $320 million in a new flagship children’s hospital demonstrates state leaders’ dedication to providing innovative healthcare solutions for children and families across North Carolina."