Duke University Health System has filed certificate of need applications with North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services requesting 157 new acute care beds across two Durham hospitals. The filings are a response to a need determination in the 2026 State Medical Facilities Plan.
The larger request covers 135 beds at Duke University Hospital at a projected cost of $35.9 million. If approved, that project would finish by July 2028. The second application seeks 22 beds at Duke Regional Hospital for $23 million, with a September 2028 completion target.
Neither project can move forward without state approval. North Carolina's certificate of need process gives regulators and the public a formal say before hospitals can add beds or major services. Durham's hospital capacity has been contested ground: UNC Health is also seeking beds in the county under the same state plan, and a split award remains possible.
Public hearings are scheduled on back-to-back days. The Duke University Hospital hearing runs June 17 at 1 p.m. in Room 1040 of the Duke University Health System Building at 4825 Creekstone Parkway. The Duke Regional hearing follows June 18 at 11 a.m. in the first-floor community room of the Duke Behavioral Health North Durham Building at 3643 N. Roxboro St.
Written comments on either proposal must reach the Healthcare Planning and Certificate of Need Section by June 1 at 5 p.m. Residents can email dhsr.con.comments@dhhs.nc.gov or mail the Division of Health Service Regulation at 2704 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2704. NCDHHS project analyst Cynthia Bradford is available at 919-855-3873 for questions.