Wellstar Health System to Add Stephens County Hospital, Expanding Care Access in North Georgia

Following completion of the transaction, Stephens County Hospital and related entities will become part of Wellstar Health System.

Stephens County Hospital has reached an agreement to become part of Wellstar Health System, expanding access to specialty care, telehealth capabilities, and clinical expertise for patients in Toccoa and surrounding North Georgia communities. The transaction is expected to close toward the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

The 96-bed acute care hospital has served Stephens County and neighboring communities for nearly 90 years. Following completion of the transaction, Stephens County Hospital and related entities will become part of Wellstar Health System.

The organizations already collaborate through a tele-stroke program that provides Stephens County residents with access to Wellstar’s regional stroke and surgical capabilities. As part of Wellstar, the hospital is expected to gain broader access to specialists and subspecialists, expanded telehealth services, clinical expertise and operational resources across the integrated health system.

“For Stephens County Hospital to serve its community so well for nearly a century requires exceptional talent, deep community trust and an unwavering commitment to its mission,” said Ketul J. Patel, president and CEO of Wellstar. “We look forward to working together to build on the strong foundation already in place while creating new opportunities for the community through expanded access to specialized care, innovative services and the strength of an integrated health system.”

Stephens County Hospital has expanded its surgical capabilities in recent years, particularly in general surgery and orthopedics. The hospital currently operates five operating rooms and has two full-time orthopedic surgeons. It has also strengthened cardiovascular services alongside its tele-stroke program with Wellstar.

The planned integration is intended to connect Stephens County Hospital more closely with Wellstar’s broader care network while maintaining local access to physicians, services and care teams.

“By joining Wellstar, we believe we can build on our strong relationships with patients, families and local physicians, while expanding access to specialized services and investing in the hospital’s long-term future,” said Van Loskoski, CEO of Stephens County Hospital.

There will be no immediate changes for patients or hospital operations. Wellstar said it plans a phased integration focused on continuity for patients, clinicians and team members. Further details will be provided as the transaction progresses through regulatory review.

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