WakeMed and Atrium Health announced on May 6 a strategic combination that will bring a $2 billion investment to Wake County, the creation of more than 3,300 new health care jobs, and expanded services for one million people across North Carolina. The agreement aims to unite WakeMed with Atrium Health to address critical health care needs while maintaining their commitment to serving patients and communities.
The proposed combination is significant because it seeks to expand access to health care, create new hospitals and facilities, grow the workforce, increase virtual care offerings, and establish North Carolina’s largest nonprofit behavioral health network. The organizations said this partnership would accelerate investments in facilities and services as well as launch programs focused on community partnerships and innovation.
“For more than 65 years, WakeMed has been a beacon of hope and healing for the Wake County area and beyond. This combination represents a significant next step in building upon this legacy, amplifying our impact and ensuring a thriving nonprofit health care future for all we serve,” said Donald Gintzig, president and CEO of WakeMed. “WakeMed and Atrium Health are united in a shared commitment to serving our communities, and by building upon our complementary strengths, we can have an even greater impact on the health and well-being of Wake County and the entire state.”
Eugene A. Woods, chief executive officer of Advocate Health—which includes Atrium Health—said: “This combination is about meeting people where they are — with care that fits their lives and stays rooted in the community. It starts with a $2 billion investment in Wake County — one of the largest health care commitments this region has ever seen — but the impact goes far beyond dollars. It means nationally recognized specialty care closer to home, more convenient and affordable care…and 3,300 new health care jobs… We’re honored to welcome WakeMed into the Atrium Health family…for many generations to come.”
The partnership will focus on expanding hospital campuses—including redevelopment at Raleigh Campus—and constructing two new Healthplex locations offering emergency departments alongside outpatient services. These efforts build on existing initiatives; Wakemed featured such facilities along with physician practices across specialties according to its official website. Wakemed also contributed significantly as one of North Carolina’s leading maternity hospitals while representing the largest system in its county according to its official website.
In addition to physical expansion plans, both organizations aim to increase affordability by raising financial assistance eligibility from 300% up to 400% of federal poverty level for eligible patients at Wakemed locations.
To finalize this strategic move, approval from the Wake County Board of Commissioners is required through an amendment process involving Wakemed’s Transfer Agreement—a document permitting its status as an independent non-profit entity since April 1997.
Gintzig added: “WakeMed has a long history of stepping up to meet the needs of our community. It is in our DNA. We are confident that this combination will further our commitment…and help us deliver on our mission…for decades.”
Wakemed remains focused on enhancing community well-being through compassionate medical services under Gintzig’s leadership according to its official website.
