WakeMed to build women's hospital in north Raleigh

The 61-bed acute care facility, which will focus on inpatient women’s specialty services, including obstetrics and gynecology, is projected to cost $62 million. Groundbreaking is scheduled for this fall, and the hospital is expected to open in October 2013.

The WakeMed North Hospital will be made part of the current WakeMed North Healthplex. The addition of the hospital is expected to add nearly 300 jobs at the campus, which currently employs about 150.

“Since opening in 2002, WakeMed North Healthplex’ consumer-driven volumes have consistently outpaced projections, demonstrating the great demand for health care services in this community,” Dr. Bill Atkinson, WakeMed’s chief executive, said in a statement.

“Transitioning to a hospital is the next logical step, as the infrastructure is already in place and the community has a critical mass of 262,000 residents living within a seven-mile radius,” Atkinson said. “While the hospital will initially open with a women’s focus, our plan is for it to continue to expand to meet the needs of women, men and children alike."

WakeMed was authorized to add 41 beds in north Raleigh in 2009, but the project was delayed due to the economy. Another 20 beds designated for acute care will be moved from WakeMed’s main campus in Raleigh.

The hospital will be the fifth operated by WakeMed.