The Executive Committee of the Emory University Board of Trustees and the WellStar Health System Board of Trustees have each approved a resolution to begin the design process for a new, unified health system. The new health system would be formed by combining Emory Healthcare, an entity owned by Emory University, and WellStar Health System into a new system. The goal is to provide world-class healthcare to patients through the integration of education, discovery, and healthcare delivery.
During the anticipated year-long design phase, leaders at the two organizations will finalize all elements of the new health system’s structure, including the name of the new health system, corporate office location, governance, structure and other details. The new health system will continue to be not-for-profit, reinvesting back into the communities it serves.
“While both Emory Healthcare and WellStar Health System are strong and thriving, by coming together we can do something truly unique that neither could do alone. As a result, we expect to be even more effective in pursuing our mission,” says Michael Mandl, Emory Healthcare president and CEO. “We intend to realize even higher excellence in patient care delivery through geographically dispersed access points, a large population for coordinated care, and expanded platforms for, and investments in, our signature programs, medical education and health sciences research. We are enthusiastic about the benefits that a new unified system can provide for all aspects of our mission and to all the communities we serve long into the future.”
“Instead of being reactive to our environment, we are being proactive to position our system and community for success in the future,” said Reynold Jennings, CEO of WellStar Health System. “The new health system will be a leader nationally for the level of care it provides and its innovative strategies for addressing the challenges and opportunities of today’s healthcare landscape. Joining Emory Healthcare and WellStar Health System will put metro Atlanta at the center of designing new healthcare delivery systems in the United States and be another magnet for innovation.”
Since announcing discussions, WellStar and Emory have been actively communicating with our physicians, team members, communities and stakeholders in an effort to answer questions and receive comments. That information has been valuable in guiding future discussions between Emory and WellStar. During the design phase, Emory and WellStar will continue to communicate and seek feedback. Community members and patients can submit questions or feedback to communications@emoryhealthcare.org or communityfeedback@wellstar.org.
The boards of Emory University and WellStar Health System will review and consider approval of the elements of the new system at appropriate times along the design phase. The new system would have its own board of directors, with 50 percent of its members to be appointed by Emory and 50 percent to be appointed by WellStar. During the design phase, Emory and WellStar will continue to communicate with communities, patients, physicians, nurses, and team members.
