The UNC Health and Duke Health systems are partnering together to create North Carolina’s Children’s Health campus.

A partnership between UNC Health and Duke Health is finalizing a deal to buy at least 200 acres in Apex — a critical step in its plans to build the state’s first standalone children’s hospital, people familiar with the negotiations told WRAL News.

The future North Carolina Children's Hospital, which will be jointly run by UNC Health and Duke Health, will be built in Apex, the two health systems said on Thursday. Why it matters: The children's hospital is one of the largest developments expected to be built in the state in the coming years,