WellStar Kennestone, Windy Hill and Cobb hospitals are committed to delivering world-class healthcare close to home. Last year alone, the hospitals generated more than $2.4 billion in economic impact, according to a recent report by the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA).
The annual report, which measures the economic impact of health systems and individual hospitals based on payroll and payroll taxes, employee benefits, facility expenditures and community benefit, stated all Georgia hospitals provided nearly $47.8 billion in impact to the state’s economy. WellStar hospitals accounted for nearly 10 percent of that total.
“At WellStar, our first commitment is to deliver high-quality, cost-effective healthcare services to our patients and consumers,” said Candice Saunders, president and CEO of WellStar Health System. “Beyond that, we strive to be partners in our communities by offering our team an environment to succeed professionally and personally. As an Employer of Choice, we have created a culture of trust and engagement that allows our team members to provide the high quality, patient- and family-centered care our patients expect.”
In April 2016, six hospitals and their affiliated physician networks joined WellStar, creating one of the largest, most integrated health systems in the country. As a not-for-profit community health system, WellStar reinvests revenue into new services, programs, facilities and technology in an effort to exceed the expectations of our patients and consumers. This includes $7 million in community programs, new facilities such as the Vinings Health Park scheduled to open later this year, and the continued rollout of advanced electronic health record technology. Additionally, WellStar continues to provide care for those in need throughout our communities. Last year, WellStar provided $427 million in unreimbursed and charity care to Georgians.
“Georgia hospitals are making a positive difference in people’s lives, both at the bedside and in their communities economically,” said GHA President and CEO Earl Rogers. “In communities throughout the state, hospitals are among the largest employers and are a key component of the infrastructure necessary to attract business to those areas.”
As the largest health system in the state with 11 hospitals and more than 250 health care sites, WellStar patients have access to a greater level of care from some of the southeast’s most skilled providers. Physicians, caregivers and team members are collaborating across WellStar’s facilities to share best practices and improve the patient experience.
For more information on the GHA report, visit www.gha.org.
About WellStar Health System
WellStar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia, is known nationally for its innovative care models, focused on improving quality and access to healthcare. WellStar consists of WellStar Medical Group, 240 medical office locations, outpatient centers, health parks, a pediatric center, nursing centers, hospice, homecare, as well as 11 hospitals: WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center South, WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (anchored by WellStar Kennestone Hospital), WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, and WellStar Cobb, Douglas, North Fulton, Paulding, Spalding Regional, Sylvan Grove and Windy Hill hospitals. As a not-for-profit, WellStar continues to reinvest in the health of the communities it serves with new technologies and treatments. For more information, visit wellstar.org.
