By Mark Woolsey
Marietta-based Wellstar Health System announced Tuesday that it’s acquiring another Northeast Georgia hospital.
The sprawling non-profit health care entity announced in a news release that the Stephens County Hospital will become part of its lineup toward the end of the year, pending the completion of regulatory approvals.
The Toccoa-based hospital is a 96-bed acute care facility that has provided care for patients and families throughout the region for almost 90 years.
Wellstar and Stephens say nothing will change for patients “today” and that the Marietta-based health provider and Stephens will engage in a “thoughtful” integration process prioritizing continuity for all involved.
Wellstar and Stephens County Hospital already collaborate through the tele-stroke program, giving Stephens County community members access to advanced regional stroke and surgical capabilities.
The folding-in of Stephens will bring Wellstar to 14 hospitals across metro Atlanta and North Georgia following regulatory approval. On August 10, Wellstar announced it had completed its acquisition of Mountain Lakes Medical Center in Clayton.