WellStar Paulding Has Major Economic Impact: Report

HIRAM, GA — WellStar Paulding Hospital is a major engine for the economy in Atlanta's north-metro area, according to a new report.

The not-for-profit hospital in Hiram was responsible for $197.5 million in economic impact according to the report by the Georgia Hospital Association.

"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, spending 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, health systems in the country. As a not-for-profit community health system, WellStar reinvests revenue into new services, programs, facilities and technology.

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 last year 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."

For more information on the GHA report, click here.

Photo courtesy WellStar Paulding Hospital