Update on WellStar Health Parks Initiative

As all of you are aware, WellStar announced the Health Parks initiative in the summer of 2010. The Health Parks initiative involves the development of community-based outpatient care centers to be strategically located for convenient access by our community. Each Health Park will be different in the services provided, but will contain some or all of the following: office space for primary care, pediatric and specialty physicians, outpatient surgery, diagnostic imaging and lab services, urgent care, and primary care and specialty outpatient services such as cardiac, oncology, physical rehabilitation and women’s health. We also plan to focus on the overall health and wellness of our community, not only through clinical services, but also by providing services such as chronic disease management, complementary medicine, screenings, fitness programs and education.


Nationally, outpatient healthcare is expected to grow 30 percent over the next five years, and there is an expectation to deliver this care in community-based outpatient facilities. WellStar believes that the Health Parks are the ideal solution for our communities. In August 2010, WellStar conducted a Health Park consumer research study, which indicated a strong desire for this type of service.
WellStar has identified the first two locations for a Health Park: Acworth and East Cobb. The Acworth Health Park, located at State Highway 41/Cobb Parkway NW and Cedarcrest Road, will be approximately 70,000 square feet. Construction is expected to begin in September 2011. The first patient is expected to be seen in the late spring/early summer of 2012.

The East Cobb location, on the corner of Providence and Roswell roads, will be approximately 250,000 square feet. Because of its location in a predominately residential area, it has generated the most community interest. WellStar created an advisory committee of more than 45 neighbors and business and community leaders in September 2010 to provide input into the development of this project. This advisory committee has met on a regular basis and includes a subcommittee to provide input on the architectural and environmental design. Permitting and construction is expected to start in January 2012, with a target occupancy of August 2013. However, it should be noted that Northside Hospital has appealed our Certificate of Need (CON) approval for the outpatient surgery center at this location and a hearing is set for mid-April.

WellStar has created multiple communication materials for the public. First, a special Web page (www.wellstar.org/eastcobbhealthpark) has been created that contains information on the East Cobb location for all audiences. The Web page includes various presentations, photos of the property, links to news media coverage of the project and other information. Click here for a Fact Sheet and click here for a Question and Answer document on the East Cobb Health Park.