CHAPEL HILL (June 11, 2026) – Some of the diseases children face require highly specialized care. 

And they should not have to leave North Carolina to get it.

So new funds for NC Children’s – a $2-3 billion, 500-bed children’s hospital to be built in Apex in a joint venture between UNC Health and Duke Health – are an encouraging step in that direction.

State legislative leaders announced last month that they’ve agreed on an additional $105 million in funds for the children’s hospital, in addition to $320 million provided in 2023.

“We are the largest state without a standalone children’s hospital. And we send thousands of patients every year to other states, which is a hardship,” Dr. Cristy Page, CEO of UNC Health and Dean of the UNC School of Medicine, says in the accompanying video.

“I mean, not only is that just wrong – we ought to be able to provide that care here. But also, it’s such a hardship on these families, to have some children here, some children multiple states away, traveling back and forth. 

“And we can do better – we should expect better. So I’m excited about building this world-class health system all focused on children.”

Senate leader Phil Berger said he and House Speaker Destin Hall agreed to discuss authorizing more for the children’s hospital as budget negotiations continue.

THIS JOINT enterprise – which is projected to create 8,000 jobs in the planned Veridea development – goes way beyond the basketball court.

“For anyone who doubts, the fact that we’re able to partner with Duke, as much as we compete, for the benefit of children should show people how important this really is,” Page says with a grin.

“We’re all so convicted that yes, we compete in everything else, but when it comes to the care of children, we are gonna do the right thing and come together in this way.”

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1https://www.wral.com/news/nccapitol/nc-childrens-hospital-budget-legislature-berger-hall-may-2026/.
2https://news.unchealthcare.org/2023/09/unc-health-announces-plans-for-new-n-c-childrens-hospital/
3https://www.ncchildrens.org/nc-childrens-world-class-care-close-to-home/location/.