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Two proposed hospitals would add 200 beds in northern and western Mecklenburg
Duke Health and CaroMont Health have applied to build hospitals in the University City/Mallard Creek area and the River District. State regulators are reviewing the plans, with a decision expected by the end of March 2027.
Duke Health and CaroMont Health are seeking state approval to build two hospitals in Mecklenburg County, a proposed expansion that would add 200 beds in areas identified by state planners as needing more capacity.
The hospitals are planned for the University City/Mallard Creek area, with 120 beds, and the River District, with 80 beds. The health systems submitted Certificate of Need applications to North Carolina on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Details about the campuses are still being developed.
The 2026 North Carolina State Medical Facilities Plan estimates Mecklenburg County needs 389 additional hospital beds. Duke Health CEO David W. Zaas said the fast-growing region needs more local access to care and more choices for patients.
The proposal would be run through a new company equally owned and operated by Duke Health, based in Durham, and CaroMont Health, based in Gastonia. The systems said they would remain separate organizations and continue operating their existing facilities.
The state is reviewing the applications and is expected to issue a decision by the end of March 2027. If approved, the hospitals could open as early as 2031. The plans would introduce another partnership into a Charlotte health care market where Atrium Health and Novant Health are the largest established providers.