Atrium, Navicent Health Finalize 'Strategic Combination'

The merger becomes official on January 1, 2019, and both health systems vow to invest heavily in healthcare services for underserved areas in southern Georgia.

Atrium Health and Navicent Health have signed the definitive agreement for their "strategic combination," the two health systems announced jointly.

The merger, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2019, will make Macon, Georgia-based Navicent Health a hub for Atrium Health for central and southern Georgia. 

"This important milestone demonstrates our continued commitment to creating a personalized care experience for each and every patient and community we serve," said Atrium CEO and President Eugene A. Woods.

"By the joining of two well-respected healthcare organizations, we will have the privilege to provide even greater access and care for existing and new communities throughout central and south Georgia, while we continue to live our mission to improve health, elevate hope, and advance healing – for all," Woods said.

Under the merger:

• Navicent Health will be the central and south Georgia hub for the Atrium Health network, led by the Navicent Health President and CEO Ninfa M. Saunders.
   
• Atrium Health and Navicent Health will invest $400 million for routine expenditures and strategic expenditures to be funded from Navicent Health, $250 million for additional strategic expenditures to be funded by Atrium Health; $175 million for discretionary expenditures to be funded by Atrium Health and $175 million to be funded by Navicent Health.
   
• Navicent and Atrium will continue to invest in underserved communities in central Georgia.
   
• Atrium will maintain and expand Navicent's core services, including its Level I trauma center, tertiary services and teaching hospital.
   
• Navicent will have two members nominated to the system-wide Atrium Health Board of Commissioners or Board of Advisors.
   
• Navicent will have a locally controlled board which will include two members from Atrium.