TOCCOA, Ga. — Stephens County Hospital has reached an agreement to join Wellstar Health System. The move further expands the nonprofit healthcare network’s presence in Northeast Georgia following its acquisition of Mountain Lakes Medical Center in Rabun County in June.
The agreement, announced Wednesday, Sept. 2, includes the 96-bed hospital and related entities. The transaction is expected to close toward the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Stephens County Hospital already partners with Wellstar through a tele-stroke program that connects local patients with advanced stroke care. The hospital has served Toccoa and surrounding communities since 1937.
“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 planned transition comes after several years of service expansions at Stephens County Hospital. Its surgical program now includes five operating rooms and two full-time orthopedic surgeons. The hospital has also strengthened 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,” said hospital CEO Van Loskoski.
Loskoski said joining Wellstar would allow the hospital to build on its relationships with patients, families and local physicians while investing in its future.
Stephens County Hospital employs nearly 500 people and has a medical staff of nearly 200 physicians and advanced practice providers. In addition to hospital and outpatient care, it operates Stephens County Emergency Medical Services.
The organizations said Wednesday’s announcement brings no immediate changes for patients. Existing physicians, services and care teams remain available, and Wellstar plans a phased integration focused on continuity for patients and staff.
Financial terms of the agreement were not included in the announcement.
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