The power of together: Hugh Chatham Health officially joins Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
'Hugh Chatham Health believes in the power of our two organizations coming together to enhance patient care, community engagement and innovation in health care delivery,' said Hugh Chatham Health Board of Trustees Chair Cynthia Gonzalez.
'Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist's deep commitment and experience with serving rural communities like Elkin was one of the key drivers of our decision to select them as our partner.'
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist was selected, in part, because of its long-standing commitment to rural health care. North Carolina has the second-largest rural population in the United States, with many located in and around the Yadkin Valley area. These rural communities have specific health care challenges, such as recruiting providers and ensuring access to essential services.
As part of Atrium Health's commitment, their $100 million investment will allow Hugh Chatham Health to:
Implement a new electronic health record, EPIC, to facilitate seamless care coordination between providers at Hugh Chatham Health and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.
Advance the recruitment and retention of primary care and specialty care providers to the Yadkin Valley region.
Support and expand current clinical programs such as Women's Services, Heart and Vascular and Cancer Care to ensure essential services stay local.
Provide professional and career growth opportunities for Hugh Chatham Health team members and providers.
'At a time when rural health care is under pressure across the country, we are stepping up to ensure rural communities have access to leading-edge primary and specialty care close to home – and that's what this partnership with Hugh Chatham Health is going to deliver,' said Eugene A. Woods, CEO of Advocate Health, of which Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is a part. "This partnership is about ensuring families in the rural Yadkin Valley have access to the same nationally-recognized medicine, virtual care, and specialty programs in women's and children's health, heart and vascular, cancer, and more – without having to travel far for the care they need and deserve.'
'With our 25-year history of collaboration, this next step naturally builds on our shared commitment to deliver high-quality care, while providing access to advanced resources, cutting-edge technology and clinical expertise,' said Dr. David Zaas, president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. 'And with Wake Forest University School of Medicine as our academic core, we are excited to bring new opportunities for medical innovation and growth, ensuring long-term health and wellness for the communities we serve.'
In addition to the $100 million commitment to Hugh Chatham Health, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist has committed $30 million to establish the Yadkin Valley Wellness Foundation, whose mission will advance health and wellness priorities in the community and ensure that the terms and conditions of the broader affiliation are fully met.
'For more than 10 years, I have had the privilege of working with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist as a partner on many levels,' said Paul Hammes, CEO of Hugh Chatham Health. 'I know, firsthand, their deep commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care – especially in our rural communities. I am excited about the unlimited possibilities of our future together and the positive impact we can have on this community.'
The Hugh Chatham Health board and executive team have committed to keeping the community informed as the process moves forward. Patients and community members are encouraged to visit hughchatham.org/the-power-of-together, a dedicated web page to learn more about this partnership and receive timely updates.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is a pre-eminent academic learning health system based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and part of Advocate Health. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist's two main components are an integrated clinical system with locations throughout the region and , the academic core of Advocate Health and a recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research.
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