West Georgia Health Set to Join WellStar

"We were looking for a strong partner, but we were also looking for a good fit," says West Georgia Health's CEO. "Culturally, I believe this is a very good marriage."

LaGrange, GA-based West Georgia Health has signed a letter of intent to join Marietta, GA-based WellStar Health System, the largest not-for-profit community health system in Georgia.

"We were looking for a strong partner, but we were also looking for a good fit—the right fit. WellStar is that fit," Jerry Fulks, president and CEO of West Georgia Health, said in a media release. "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."

West Georgia Health includes flagship West Georgia Medical Center, two skilled nursing facilities, a cancer clinic, heart clinic, women's center, occupational health clinic, outpatient lab and rehabilitation services, a wound care clinic, home care services, and 21 primary care and specialty practices operating in two counties.

WellStar serves more than 1.4 million residents in five counties. The system includes WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, and WellStar Cobb, Douglas, Paulding and Windy Hill hospitals; WellStar Medical Group; urgent care centers and various outpatient clinics and services.

"As not-for-profits, WellStar and West Georgia Health have similar missions and commitments to our communities," WellStar CEO Reynold Jennings said in prepared remarks. "WellStar was formed 20 years ago when five hospitals came together to create a new health system.  By bringing West Georgia Health into the regional system, we are continuing our commitment to deliver world-class healthcare to the communities we serve."