Effective in Nov. 1, 2022, Wellstar Health System will close Atlanta Medical Center (AMC). Over the past year, Wellstar faced many challenges, including $107 million in losses, decreasing revenue, and an increase in costs for staff and supplies that was not aided by inflation and the strain of the pandemic. Unable to find a sustainable solution, Wellstar was faced with the decision to cease operations at AMC.
Governor Brian Kemp announced additional funding support for Grady as one long-term solution to the ripple effect that this closure will have on the healthcare community. During the extended time it will take Grady to undertake this expansion, Emory will join Grady, local and state leaders, and other regional health systems in supporting city and state health care needs as stated by David S. Stephens, interim executive vice president for health affairs for Emory University, and Dane C. Peterson, interim CEO and president and COO for Emory Healthcare in a recent statement to the Woodruff Health Sciences Center community.
In addition to Emory’s support, Piedmont Hospital and Grady Memorial Hospital will absorb some 200 patients currently in AMC’s beds. Other Level 2 trauma centers like Wellstar Kennestone, Gwinnett Medical and Wellstar North Fulton will handle patients who depended on AMC’s Level 1 trauma center according to a recent statement provided by Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts to WSB-TV 2 Atlanta.
