History

For decades, Durham’s healthcare reflected the racial segregation of the South. Watts Hospital, one of the state’s earliest hospitals, served white patients. Meanwhile, Lincoln Hospital, founded in 1901 after advocacy from Durham’s African American community, became a vital institution where Black patients could receive care and Black physicians, nurses, and staff could serve. Though shaped by different histories, both hospitals were essential to the community and shared a deep commitment to caring for Durham’s residents.

As Durham grew, community leaders began planning for the future of healthcare. Watts Hospital voted to integrate in 1964, and discussions emerged around how to modernize aging facilities while ensuring equitable care. These conversations were complex. Lincoln Hospital remained a deeply valued institution within the Black community, and concerns about equity, access, and representation were central to the debate. Ultimately, a shared vision emerged: the need for a new, modern hospital that would provide high-quality, fully integrated care for all of Durham’s residents.

In a remarkable, community-wide effort, patients from both Lincoln and Watts hospitals were carefully transported and admitted into the brand-new Durham County General Hospital (DCGH) -- all in a single day. Staff from both institutions came together, coordinating every detail to ensure a safe, seamless transition of care. This moment marked more than a move -- it represented the coming together of histories, cultures, and expertise into one hospital united in its commitment to serve all of Durham.

In its early years, DCGH quickly established itself as a center for modern medicine in the region. The hospital introduced advanced services that had previously required patients to travel outside Durham, including interventional radiology, cardiac catheterization, and open-heart surgery. During this period, the community also saw the openings of Lincoln Health Center and Davis Ambulatory Surgical Center. Together, these services and innovations expanded access to life-saving care and reinforced the hospital’s role as a trusted community resource.

As Durham’s population grew and health care needs evolved, the hospital expanded both its facilities and its services. Renamed Durham Regional Hospital (DRH), it reflected a broader mission to serve the wider region. Investments were made in specialty care, including a special care nursery, allowing more families to access advanced care locally. These efforts reflected a continued commitment to meeting the needs of a diverse and growing community.

A major milestone came when DRH joined the Duke University Health System. This partnership connected the hospital to one of the nation’s leading academic health systems, bringing expanded clinical expertise, access to research, and new opportunities for advanced treatments, while maintaining its strong community focus.

Building on this momentum, the hospital introduced new programs and technologies to meet modern healthcare needs. These included a dedicated rehabilitation institute, a chest pain center to improve cardiac response times, and expanded minimally invasive surgical options. The adoption of digital systems, such as computerized physician order entry and bedside barcoding for medications, improved safety, efficiency, and coordination of care.

Throughout the 2010s, Duke Regional Hospital continued to expand and modernize its services through investments in technology, specialty care, and community-focused initiatives. This decade included the opening of the Vascular Suite, implementation of the Maestro Care (Epic) electronic medical record system, designation as a Primary Stroke Center, and the official transition to the name Duke Regional Hospital. The hospital also expanded its commitment to employees and the community through programs like the Nursing Partners in Practice Awards, Project SEARCH, the Community Caring Closet, and partnerships with organizations such as the American Red Cross.

During the 2020s, Duke Regional Hospital continued to expand its commitment to patient-centered care while responding to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospital rapidly adapted services to meet community needs, including expanding ICU capacity, supporting vaccine distribution efforts across Durham County, and accelerating telehealth access. New facilities and programs—including the Behavioral Health Center and Emergency Department, Retail Pharmacy, Threatened Limb Clinic, and Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center Arringdon—enhanced patient care and access to services, reflecting ongoing investments in innovation, wellness, and compassionate care for Durham and the broader region.

Today, as part of Duke Health, the hospital continues to evolve while staying rooted in its mission to serve the community. Its history reflects the legacies of both Watts and Lincoln hospitals, including Lincoln’s profound significance to Durham’s Black community and its longstanding commitment to caring for underserved and historically marginalized populations. With ongoing investments in technology, facilities, and patient-centered care, Duke Regional Hospital remains a vital resource for Durham and surrounding areas—caring for generations of families and adapting to meet the needs of tomorrow.