WellStar Health System is expanding its footprint beyond its historic Northwest Georgia base. Beginning, WellStar is bringing its vision of world-class healthcare to new communities and patients, following due diligence, regulatory review, and thorough integration planning. As a not-for-profit, WellStar continues to reinvest back in the communities it serves with new treatments, technologies, and facilities.

With the acquisition of Tenet Healthcare's five Georgia-based hospitals and a new partnership with West Georgia Health in LaGrange, Ga., WellStar becomes the largest health system in Georgia and one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the country. The new 11 hospital system will expand upon its proven clinical care models and patient safety programs that have resulted in increased quality and improved access to healthcare to new communities.

"As WellStar continues on the journey to deliver world-class healthcare, our physicians, nurses and team members put the patient and family first," said Candice Saunders, president & CEO of WellStar Health System. "With an expanded footprint, we will leverage best practices to make a difference in the health of our communities by delivering the right care, at the right time in the right place."

Joining WellStar's existing five hospitals are: WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center South, WellStar North Fulton Hospital, WellStar Spalding Regional Hospital, WellStar Sylvan Grove Hospital and WellStar West Georgia Medical Center. All facilities will now be operated as not-for-profits. WellStar Medical Group, one of the largest employed physician groups in the Southeast, will expand to more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice professionals across more than 200 medical office locations and numerous outpatient facilities.

With approximately 20,000 team members, WellStar remains committed to its Employer of Choice strategy that has led to numerous accolades for work-life balance, including being named to Fortune magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the past three years.

"At WellStar, we are creating an atmosphere that fosters healing and wellness," said Gary Miller, chair of WellStar Board of Trustees. "We are changing the way we care for our communities with cutting edge treatments and new initiatives that keep people healthy. Today, WellStar is better positioned to provide world-class healthcare to our patients for years to come."

With ever-changing government regulations and reimbursement pressures, health systems across the country are looking for new efficiencies. To better serve its patients, WellStar chose to be proactive to secure the future of high-quality care in its communities. The geography of West Georgia Health and Tenet's five Georgia hospitals complements WellStar's current footprint. With a larger integrated system, WellStar will continue its strategic focus on the Triple Aim—higher quality, improved access and affordable healthcare.