Duke Health, CaroMont Health plan 2 Charlotte-area hospitals

Driving the news: Durham-based Duke Health and Gastonia-based Duke Health and CaroMont Health announced their new partnership and hospital plans Wednesday.

• They have submitted two Certificate of Need applications with the state, which would allow them to build two new hospitals.

What to expect: The new facilities would account for 200 hospital beds in the northern and western parts of Mecklenburg County:

• A 120-bed hospital would be in the University City/Mallard Creek area.
• An 80-bed hospital would also be in the River District.
• Details about each campus are still in development.

The big picture: Mecklenburg County needs 389 additional beds, according to the 2026 North Carolina State Medical Facilities Plan.

What they're saying: "The rapidly growing Charlotte region needs more access to care and more options for the highest quality care locally," Duke University Health System CEO David W. Zaas said in a statement.

Between the lines: The partnership would result in a new company, which would be equally owned and operated by Duke Health and CaroMont Health, per a release. However, they would continue to remain separate entities, operating their own existing facilities.

What's next: The state is currently reviewing Duke Health and CaroMont Health's applications. An answer is expected by the end of March 2027. If approved, the hospitals could open as early as 2031, per Duke Health and CaroMont Health.