Wellstar Health System Plans New Hospital to Address Growing Need in Acworth Community

Wellstar's Hospital Proposal in Acworth

In a significant development for Acworth, Georgia, Wellstar Health System has announced plans to construct a new hospital aimed at addressing the rising demand for medical services in the area. The proposed facility will feature 230 beds and is part of Wellstar's efforts to enhance healthcare accessibility in the community. The health system has officially submitted its Letter of Intent to the Georgia Department of Community Health, marking the first step toward the necessary certification process required to establish a new hospital.

Location and Community Impact

The new hospital is set to be built on Cobb Parkway, directly across from the existing Wellstar Acworth Health Park. Given Wellstar's long-standing presence in the region, they are well-positioned to effectively meet the area's growing healthcare needs. The new facility will function alongside Wellstar’s established network of medical centers, including the Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center and Wellstar Paulding Medical Center. This integration is expected to promote a coordinated and efficient healthcare delivery system, allowing residents access to high-quality medical care.

Wellstar plans to submit a comprehensive Certificate of Need application, including architectural designs and methods to cater to the community’s wellness requirements, by June 23. According to Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System, the new hospital is vital, especially as the overall healthcare infrastructure in the region continues to expand. She stated, “This new hospital is the latest in a series of projects aimed at improving access to care.”

Addressing Regional Healthcare Needs

The demand for additional healthcare facilities in Acworth stems from the rapid population growth in the area, which has surged fivefold in just a decade. Local authorities have highlighted that even with the upcoming completion of a new tower at the Wellstar Kennestone, the northern region of Cobb County will still require more hospital beds. Lisa Cupid, the chair of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, emphasized the necessity for this development by stating, “We still have an unmet need for hospital beds in the northern portion of our county.”

Similarly, Tommy Allegood, the mayor of Acworth, voiced the community's strong desire for a hospital, emphasizing its importance in supporting families and improving health outcomes in the area. “A hospital would be extremely beneficial to our community, and we appreciate Wellstar's willingness to meet our needs,” he said.

Wellstar's Commitment to Healthcare

Wellstar Health System is a prominent provider of charity and uncompensated care, contributing over $1 billion annually. This commitment underscores their dedication to community health, addressing issues that range from medical assistance to food and housing insecurity. By establishing a community advisory council, they aim to ensure that all community voices are heard throughout the planning and development process.

Additionally, Wellstar’s contributions to medical education and partnerships with academic institutions foster innovation and make them a leader in advancing healthcare technologies. Their efforts have garnered recognition, with Fortune magazine noting Wellstar among the “100 Best Places to Work in America.”

Engaging the Community

The new facility is designed to not only provide essential healthcare services but also to engage the community in meaningful dialogue about health and wellness needs. Wellstar’s approach emphasizes the importance of community involvement as they navigate the Certificate of Need process. Dr. Michaele Brown, a primary care physician at Wellstar in Acworth, articulated the prevalent need among patients for readily accessible healthcare services, especially for those with chronic conditions or elderly individuals.

As Wellstar embarks on this journey, they have expressed their commitment to involving the community at every stage of the project. “We will ensure this hospital meets the community's needs for generations to come,” said Saunders, reinforcing their dedication to providing comprehensive and accessible healthcare solutions.

By offering a new hospital in Acworth, Wellstar aims to enhance the overall healthcare landscape of the region, which will benefit both present and future generations. The anticipated facility is expected to become a vital resource for community health and well-being, allowing residents to receive quality care closer to home.