Wellstar Health System and Stephens County Hospital announced today that they have reached an agreement for Stephens County Hospital and related entities to become part of Wellstar Health System. The transaction is expected to be completed toward the end of 2026, pending the conclusion of regulatory approvals.

The planned transaction represents a pivotal moment for the two trusted and vital organizations to come together to strengthen local healthcare and create capacity for additional specialized resources in and around Stephens County.

Stephens County Hospital is a longtime, trusted healthcare provider for Toccoa and surrounding North Georgia communities. The 96-bed acute care hospital has served patients and families throughout the region for nearly 90 years. Following regulatory approval, the hospital will become part of Wellstar.

Wellstar and Stephens County Hospital already share a strong relationship through their tele-stroke program collaboration, giving Stephens County community members access to advanced regional stroke and surgical capabilities.

As part of Wellstar, Stephens County Hospital will gain further access to a broad network of specialists and subspecialists, enhanced telehealth capabilities, advanced clinical expertise and the operational strengths of one of Georgia's leading integrated health systems. Wellstar's scale and resources will support the hospital's long-term vitality while allowing patients to continue receiving high-quality care close to home. "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 Wellstar President and CEO Ketul J. Patel. "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."

The agreement reflects a mutual commitment to providing seamless connectivity across care settings, and greater access to specialized clinical expertise and the resources required to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community.

"For generations, Stephens County Hospital has been a pillar of this community and a trusted healthcare provider for Toccoa, Stephens County and surrounding North Georgia," said Stephens County Hospital CEO Van Loskoski. "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, so more people can receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time."

In the last few years, Stephens County Hospital has made thoughtful decisions to expand its surgical program, particularly in general surgery and orthopedics, which now features five operating rooms and two full-time orthopedic surgeons. The hospital also has built a tele-stroke program in partnership with Wellstar and has fortified its cardiovascular services.

“All of these improvements have been part of a thoughtful, strategic approach to position Stephens County Hospital to broaden access to specialty care in our communities, which is where we find ourselves today,” Loskoski said.

The planned transaction demonstrates Wellstar's continued momentum in thoughtfully expanding access to high-quality healthcare across Georgia by investing in strong community hospitals and connecting them to one of the Southeast's leading health systems. It builds on Wellstar's strategic growth across the state, enabling clinical expertise, advanced technology and best practices to be shared across communities while improving access to care closer to home.

Nothing changes for patients or the hospitals today. Wellstar and Stephens County Hospital confirmed that patients will continue to have access to the physicians, services and care teams they know and trust. Wellstar intends to take a thoughtful, phased approach to integration that prioritizes continuity for patients, clinicians and team members.

Additional information and updates will be shared with team members, clinicians, patients and the community as they become available.