The WakeMed Board revealed it received the proposal on May 5, offering a potential partnership. But after reviewing it, leaders chose not to pursue those talks.
Instead, WakeMed officials say a two-year evaluation process found that a partnership with Atrium Health is the best path forward for the communities it serves.
The decision comes as the proposed WakeMed-Atrium deal continues to draw strong public interest and scrutiny in Wake County.
WakeMed and county leaders have been gathering community input through public meetings, where residents and officials have raised questions about transparency, governance and long-term impact.
Some concerns focus on how much local control Wake County would keep under the proposed deal and how it could affect access to care and costs moving forward.
Hospital leaders have defended the partnership, saying it would bring significant investment and expansion to the region, including new facilities, more jobs and improved access to healthcare services.
The proposed WakeMed-Atrium agreement still needs approval from Wake County commissioners, who recently delayed a vote to allow for more public input and review.
It's unclear when that vote will be rescheduled.