Charlotte, N.C.-based Atrium Health and Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta have received approval to move forward with plans for a new teaching hospital that could eventually grow to more than 700 beds.
Atrium Health, part of Charlotte-based Advocate Health, is committing more than $700 million in capital and clinical investment to the hospital and a broader network of primary, urgent and specialty care across central and South Fulton County, according to an Aug. 21 news release shared with Becker’s.
The Atlanta hospital would initially open with about 50 beds and could expand to more than 700 beds over time based on community needs. Plans call for a level 3 trauma center, 24/7 emergency care, obstetrics, a neonatal intensive care unit, adult critical care, advanced imaging, cardiac catheterization, interventional radiology and endoscopy.
The broader network is expected to include primary care practices, combined primary and urgent care locations, specialty services, virtual and community-based care and a healthplex with imaging, infusion, endoscopy and emergency services. Atrium and Morehouse also plan to expand hospital-at-home services.
“There are moments in healthcare when you have the opportunity to do more than build a hospital — you have the opportunity to change what is possible for a community for generations,” Advocate Health CEO Eugene Woods said. “This is one of those moments. It is about building a place where people will be cared for, trained, find good jobs, and become part of the future of healthcare in their own community.”
The organizations said the project aims to address healthcare access gaps in South and West Atlanta following the 2022 closures of Marietta, Ga.-based Wellstar Health System’s Atlanta Medical Center and Atlanta Medical Center South.
Atrium and Morehouse filed a letter of determination for the project in June, marking an early regulatory step toward building Atrium’s first hospital in metropolitan Atlanta.
The project is also expected to include medical offices, research space and other development around the campus.
The city of Atlanta is expected to invest more than $115 million to support site preparation, roadway and pedestrian improvements and equipment associated with opening the hospital campus.
Plans remain contingent on agreements with Fulton County related to support for Morehouse’s ambulatory network. Atrium and Morehouse said they will continue meeting with residents, healthcare providers, elected officials and community organizations as planning progresses.
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