Bringing PeopleCare to Augusta

 Wellstar and Augusta University Officially Launch Unified Health System 

Wellstar Health System and Augusta University Health System (AUHS) are pleased to announce that today is our first day as a unified system. AUHS will now be known locally as Wellstar MCG Health. Together, Wellstar and Wellstar MCG Health will revolutionize healthcare and enhance the well-being of communities across Georgia. This transformative partnership is set to make a significant impact on the lives of people throughout the state.

Through this partnership, we are committed to investing in cutting-edge medical facilities and infrastructure, strengthening collaborations with rural hospitals, and providing greater access to digital health services and top-notch clinical care, such as the exceptional pediatric care offered by Wellstar and Children’s Hospital of Georgia. Most importantly, we’re focused on addressing the unique needs of each person and community we serve as effectively and compassionately as possible.

Our vision doesn’t stop there. This partnership also represents a powerful alliance between Wellstar Health System, the University System of Georgia, Wellstar MCG Health and one of the nation’s best public medical schools, Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia (MCG), to propel medical education and research forward. By continuing to build on the rich legacy of MCG and creating new opportunities for more physicians to be trained in a modern clinical environment, we are addressing physician shortages in our local communities and contributing to solving this challenge nationwide.

The possibilities that lie ahead are extraordinary, and we can’t wait to expand our shared commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of the people we serve across our great state. We are forging a path toward a brighter, healthier future for Georgia and beyond.

This statement is issued jointly by:

Sonny Perdue, chancellor, the University System of Georgia
Candice L. Saunders, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Wellstar Health System
Brooks A. Keel, Ph.D., acting chief executive officer of Augusta University Health System and president of Augusta University

Creating a Healthier Future for Georgia

Wellstar, affiliated with Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, will revolutionize healthcare and enhance the well-being of communities across Georgia. This transformative partnership is set to make a significant impact on the lives of people throughout the state.

The following are excerpts of statements made in support of the transaction between Wellstar and Augusta University Health System (AUHS).

Robert Bunch – President, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
“Strategic partnerships, like ours with Wellstar, work to redefine health, reimagine the health system, and strengthen our communities allowing us both to make a greater impact on Georgians. Healthier communities lead to healthier people, and we are thrilled to continue working with our community partners to address health-related social needs and promote health equity to our members across the state.”

Dominique Wilkins - Atlanta Hawks
“I've been involved in helping the Wellstar Foundation make an impact in minority communities for the last three years. From providing much healthcare, to providing essential supplies and groceries, I've personally seen so many people impacted in a positive way. Wellstar truly cares for the community and ensures that everyone is included. Being a Georgia resident for the past 40 years, this is something that is rare in the healthcare community.”

Kessel D. Stelling, Jr. - former Chairman and CEO of Synovus Financial Corp
“As a native Augustan and former member of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, I am deeply aware of the Augusta University Health System and the impact of its educational and research missions. I am also very familiar with the quality of clinical care that the system provides to the citizens of Augusta, surrounding communities, and state of Georgia. Both of my parents were long-time patients of AUHS, and I am grateful for the exceptional care they received during their lifetimes, and I am confident that this partnership would allow both systems to find additional ways to improve both the access and quality of healthcare throughout Georgia.”

Jasmine Crowe-Houston – Founder & CEO, Goodr
“I am excited the two organizations hope to move forward together as a unified system. After learning about their plans — not only with respect to healthcare delivery, but also the education of physicians and nurses at a time when a shortage threatens access for all — I am confident this is what is best for Georgians.”

Why are Wellstar Health System, August University Health System and the Medical College of Georgia partnering? And why now?

Wellstar, AUHS, and MCG share a mission to create a healthier future for Georgians and solve health care challenges across the state. Through this partnership, they plan to make a transformational impact on improving the health and wellbeing of every patient they serve. AUHS, Augusta University and the Wellstar Health System share a mission to solve Georgia’s health care challenges. The partnership will improve the quality and safety of community care while driving world-class care advantages to patients.

Our vision is to bring the most advanced clinical care, innovative academic teaching models, and lifesaving research to all corners of the state. The model will bring together community-based health care systems with academic medical expertise, allowing us to deliver the best capabilities, access to care and innovation, and advance health care across the state of Georgia.

Growing the pipeline of physicians and other health care providers serving Georgia and developing innovative new care models and offerings that benefit patients and communities across the state. The partnership will result in significant investments to improve existing health care facilities and expand access to care across the state.

Can patients still use the same doctors and care facilities?

Yes. Nothing is changing for how patients receive care. Patients should continue to access care as they currently do.

Will patient care be impacted?

Nothing is changing for how patients receive care. Patients should continue to access care as they currently do. We are excited that this partnership would provide significant benefits for Georgians. Pending a definitive agreement and regulatory approval, the partnership would focus on expanding digital health offerings and growing the pipeline of physicians and other health care providers serving Georgia and developing innovative new care models and offerings that benefit patients and communities across the state. While there are aspects of the proposed partnership yet to be determined, the partnership would also likely result in significant investments to improve existing healthcare facilities and expand access to care across the state.

What specific investments has Wellstar agreed to fund?

Wellstar will invest nearly $800 million over 10 years in AUHS’s facilities and infrastructure, including support of AUHS’s capital plan. This includes more than $200 million allocated to Augusta University Health Medical Center – a more than 600 bed safety net and teaching hospital. Additionally, capital for a new hospital and medical office buildings in Columbia County will be funded.