Proposed new hospital facility as part of the Wellstar Health System improvements.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesCandice L. Saunders, President and CEO of Wellstar Health System, will retire on June 30, 2024, following a transformative partnership with Augusta’s Medical College of Georgia. This collaboration aims to enhance healthcare services in Georgia, including the construction of Columbia County’s first hospital and the establishment of a Level II trauma center. With a focus on addressing underserved healthcare needs, Wellstar plans to invest significantly in facility improvements and mobile care services, promising a brighter healthcare future for Georgians.
Exciting developments are unfolding at Wellstar Health System as its long-time President and CEO, Candice L. Saunders, has announced her plan to retire on June 30, 2024. This news comes right on the heels of a significant partnership aimed at improving healthcare access in Georgia. The announcement, made by Wellstar, highlights both the end of an era and a promising future for health services in the state.
Saunders has been a driving force behind the recent collaboration between Augusta’s Medical College of Georgia (MCG) and Wellstar Health System. This partnership is set to enhance the healthcare landscape for Georgians, and in August 2023, a monumental agreement worth $797 million was signed to merge the two health systems. The unification aims to tackle healthcare challenges and improve access to essential medical services.
As part of this exciting merger, plans have been solidified for the construction of Columbia County’s first hospital. The Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center will boast approximately 250,000 square feet of medical space, including an emergency department that will feature a Level II trauma center. This means that patients in the area will have round-the-clock access to treatment for sudden injuries, helping fill a critical gap in healthcare services.
Currently, the nearest Level II trauma center is located in Athens, making the new facility a significant addition to the healthcare infrastructure near Augusta. Saunders had previously emphasized the mission of this partnership: to forge a better healthcare future and enhance the well-being of every individual served. With over 140 counties in Georgia marked as medically underserved, this endeavor reflects a profound need for growth in healthcare accessibility.
Since the merger was initiated, the Medical College of Georgia has seen tremendous progress, with its class size increasing to become one of the top five in the nation. Each year, over 300 students enroll in various medical programs, and the college is not only focused on expanding its numbers but also on enhancing specialty programs like maternal-fetal medicine, ensuring that the healthcare workforce is prepared to meet urgent community needs. Impressively, roughly 50% of MCG students continue to practice in Georgia after completing their education, bolstering the state’s medical workforce.
In addition to the hospital construction, Wellstar has launched mobile care vans to increase healthcare access in rural areas, critically addressing challenges for those living outside metropolitan regions. Plans are also in motion for a new 100-bed, Level II trauma center in Columbia County, anticipated to open its doors in 2026.
Moreover, Wellstar has made substantial investments in facility improvements, dedicating over $82 million to renovations, including the much-needed upgrades to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. This marks the first major remodel of the facility since its establishment in 1998, a much-anticipated change that aims to modernize and enhance the care provided to younger patients.
As Saunders prepares to step down, the Wellstar Board of Trustees is gearing up for a six-month search for her successor, enlisting an executive search firm to aid in this important transition. Saunders joined Wellstar in March 2007, making a significant impact through various roles before becoming CEO in July 2015. Her leadership over these years has undoubtedly paved the way for a bright future for both Wellstar Health System and the communities it serves.
The coming months promise to be filled with anticipation as Wellstar navigates this transition while continuing to build a healthcare system that serves the people of Georgia effectively and compassionately.
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