Wake commissioners hear divided views on WakeMed/Atrium merger
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Wake County commissioners heard hours of sharply divided testimony Monday as residents, physicians, and community leaders weighed in on the proposed merger between WakeMed and Atrium Health, one of the nation's largest healthcare systems. No vote was taken at the conclusion of the hearing, and commissioners said it was meant to gather public input before any decision is made.
The proposed deal would shift significant operational and financial responsibility to Atrium Health. WakeMed operates independently as a nonprofit, though Wake County maintains oversight authority, meaning commissioners must approve any merger for it to move forward.
Please support the changes to let WakeMed and Atrium move forward in partnership.- MaryAnn Baldwin, former Raleigh mayor
Speakers lined up inside the Wake County Justice Center to voice support and opposition. Some argued the partnership would strengthen WakeMed's ability to expand services and modernize facilities, including its southeast Raleigh campus.
"I've seen firsthand what amazing things can happen when organizations come together," one supporter said.
Nancy Prothero of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist told commissioners, "I believe bringing together WakeMed's strong local foundation with Atrium Health resources expertise in-network creates an opportunity to expand access to care."
Atrium CEO ... was paid $25.8 million in 2024 ... while providing his own workers with subpar health insurance. Why should patients trust a system that ... sued more patients over medical debt than any other hospital in the entire state?- Dr. Taylor Walker
WakeMed leaders said financial limitations have hindered their ability to upgrade facilities and expand cancer care.
"We asked who would be willing to invest in Wake County and help us build something greater for our patients," said Dr. Vijay Chaudhary, Chief of Oncology for WakeMed Cancer Care. "Atrium Health shared our belief that access to high-quality cancer care should not depend on patients' ZIP Code, insurance status or financial circumstances."
Opponents, however, warned the merger would raise costs, reduce staffing and weaken patient care.
"Takeovers like this increase pricing, reduce staffing and lower the quality of both working conditions and patient care," said Clara Hazlett-Norman.
Another speaker told commissioners, "You'll price healthcare as a luxury cost many North Carolinians cannot afford."
Several critics pointed to Atrium's executive compensation and past medical-debt lawsuits.
"Atrium CEO ... was paid $25.8 million in 2024 ... while providing his own workers with subpar health insurance," said Dr. Taylor Walker, citing a state treasurer investigation. "Why should patients trust a system that ... sued more patients over medical debt than any other hospital in the entire state?"
Former Raleigh Mayor MaryAnn Baldwin urged commissioners to approve the partnership.
"Please support the changes to let WakeMed and Atrium move forward in partnership," she said.
Details of the merger have not been publicly released. State law makes competitive hospital business information confidential, leaving commissioners and residents without access to the full agreement.
The next Wake County Board of Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Sept. 8. It is not yet known whether the merger will appear on the agenda.
