Durham County, NC, OKs extending hospital lease with Duke

Beginning in 2009, Duke University Health System will have a self-perpetuating 40-year lease on Durham (NC) Regional Hospital. The arrangement, revising Duke's original 1998 lease on the institution, has received approval from the Durham County, NC, Board of Commissioners. Under the new deal, Duke will increase its contributions for Lincoln Community Health Center and Emergency Medical Services with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. After 2031 Duke will no longer pay annual rent for the hospital itself, but is expected to pay for renovations and upgrades.