LaGrange, Ga.-based West Georgia Health announced Tuesday it has signed a formal letter of intent to join with Marietta, Ga.-based WellStar Health System, the largest nonprofit community health system in Georgia.
In joining with WellStar, West Georgia Health and its surrounding communities will benefit from WellStar's innovative care models, population health initiatives and advanced care.
"We were looking for a strong partner, but we were also looking for a good fit — the right fit," said Jerry Fulks, president and CEO of West Georgia Health. "WellStar is that fit. They've amassed the size and financial muscle you need to succeed in today's healthcare world, and they've done that while keeping a sharp focus on patient care and employee satisfaction — and the relationship between those two. Culturally, I believe this is a very good marriage."
The West Georgia Health Board of Trustees approved the systems' letter of intent May 19. The announcement of the new relationship follows more than a year of work by the Strategic Planning Committee, which was appointed by the LaGrange-Troup County Hospital Authority.