WELLSTAR PAULDING HOSPITAL MAJOR CONTRIBUTOR TO STATE’S ECONOMY
Hospital generated $197.5 million in economic impact

DALLAS, Ga. (May 16, 2017) – WellStar Paulding Hospital is committed to delivering world-class healthcare close to home. The not-for-profit hospital plays a significant role in bolstering the state’s economic health, generating $197.5 million in economic impact, per a recent report by the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA).
“WellStar provides world-class healthcare to Paulding County and beyond,” said Vicky Hogue, chief nursing officer at WellStar Paulding Hospital. “As a not-for-profit, we are proud to serve the needs of the community. We have grown this year and will continue to expand services to meet the needs of our patients.”
The annual report, which measures the economic impact of health systems and individual hospitals based on payroll and payroll taxes, employee benefits, facility expenditures and community benefit, stated all Georgia hospitals provided nearly $47.8 billion in impact to the state’s economy. WellStar hospitals accounted for nearly 10 percent of that total.
In April 2016, six hospitals and their affiliated physician networks joined WellStar, creating one of the largest, most integrated health systems in the country. As a not-for-profit community health system, WellStar reinvests revenue into new services, programs, facilities and technology in an effort to exceed the expectations of our patients and consumers. This includes $7 million in community programs, new facilities such as the Vinings Health Park scheduled to open later this year, and the continued rollout of advanced electronic health record technology. Additionally, WellStar continues to provide care for those in need throughout our communities. Last year, WellStar provided $427 million in unreimbursed and charity care to Georgians.
“Georgia hospitals are making a positive difference in people’s lives, both at the bedside and in their communities economically,” said GHA President and CEO Earl Rogers. “In communities throughout the state, hospitals are among the largest employers and are a key component of the infrastructure necessary to attract business to those areas.”
As the largest health system in the state with 11 hospitals and more than 250 healthcare sites, WellStar patients have access to a greater level of care from some of the southeast’s most skilled providers. Physicians, caregivers and team members are collaborating across WellStar’s facilities to share best practices and improve the patient experience.
For more information on the GHA report, visit www.gha.org.

About WellStar Health System
WellStar Health System, the largest health system in Georgia, is known nationally for its innovative care models, focused on improving quality and access to healthcare. WellStar consists of WellStar Medical Group, 240 medical office locations, outpatient centers, health parks, a pediatric center, nursing centers, hospice, homecare, as well as 11 hospitals: WellStar Atlanta Medical Center, WellStar Atlanta Medical Center South, WellStar Kennestone Regional Medical Center (anchored by WellStar Kennestone Hospital), WellStar West Georgia Medical Center, and WellStar Cobb, Douglas, North Fulton, Paulding, Spalding Regional, Sylvan Grove and Windy Hill hospitals. As a not-for-profit, WellStar continues to reinvest in the health of the communities it serves with new technologies and treatments. For more information, visit wellstar.org.