WakeMed, Atrium merger draws community input at first public hearing
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- WakeMed officials held the first of several community meetings on Tuesday to gather public input on a proposed combination with Charlotte-based Atrium Health, as questions about transparency and governance continue to surround the deal.
The meeting comes after state officials raised concerns about the agreement, and Wake County commissioners voted to delay a decision by at least 90 days to allow more time for review.
WakeMed CEO Donald Gintzig addressed concerns directly, emphasizing that the proposed arrangement is not a sale or takeover.
"I would say sale .. takeover. Right. It's, it's none of those. It's a choice. It's two mission-driven organizations coming together for as higher purpose as there is," Gintzig said.
Gintzig argued that the deal could bring $2 billion in investment and lead to new health care jobs in the region.
Another speaker at the meeting said the long-term benefits could help the community once residents better understand the proposal.
"But I think once they understand what it is and what it is and what it will do for this community, and yes, jobs and investment and those sorts of things, but also improving the care for all," Gintzig said.
WakeMed shared renderings of proposed upgrades, including a new emergency department and improvements to its main campus. Officials also said the health system could expand facilities in Cary and Garner as part of the investment.
Still, some residents and officials expressed concern about how much influence Wake County would retain if the deal moves forward. Under the proposal, Atrium would hold six of 14 seats on the governing board.
"Right now we appoint eight, and we will still be able to appoint eight to the board," said Wake County Commission Chair Don Mial.
He said commissioners want more time to understand the agreement before making a decision. He emphasized the importance of maintaining WakeMed's longstanding mission to serve uninsured residents.
"You know, you're always concerned until the deal is made because we want to make sure this is the, in the best interests of the public. The key thing for us is making sure they continue to take care of the indigent population of Wake County, which is what WakeMed was founded on," Mial said.
Others spoke about WakeMed's historical role in serving residents and stressed the need to preserve that commitment.
"WakeMed went out to 20 Black churches and lined up the shots for COVID, and that was fantastic," said Octavia Rainey, who lives in southeast Raleigh.
Some attendees said the meeting helped address their questions about the proposal: "Well, I feel like they answered the questions that everybody had."
WakeMed plans to hold five additional community meetings before county commissioners take a vote on the proposal, which has been delayed for at least 90 days.
