Duke and CaroMont seek state approval for two Charlotte hospitals

Duke Health and CaroMont Health plan an equally owned and managed joint venture to build two hospitals in Mecklenburg County, adding 200 beds. A 120-bed hospital is proposed in the University City or Mallard Creek area of northeast Charlotte and an 80-bed hospital in the River District near the airport. A state forecast identifies need for 389 additional beds in the county, where Atrium Health and Novant Health dominate the hospital market. The partners have filed state Certificate of Need applications. If approved, the hospitals could open by the end of 2031. The partners say the partnership would bring Duke academic medicine, specialty care and clinical-trial access to the Charlotte area. State review of the applications is the next step that will decide whether the projects proceed.