Access to Care
At Wellstar, people are at the center of everything we do. By listening actively to what people want, need, and expect from their healthcare, Wellstar is able to provide “More than Healthcare. PeopleCare.” — at every age and stage. Primary Care Access According to the 2022 CHNA, the communities served by Wellstar are largely classified as underserved by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Douglas, Paulding, Spalding Regional and Sylvan Grove hospitals, and West Georgia Medical Center are all defined as Health Professional Shortage Areas, with lower provider rates (per 100,000 pop.) than is average for the state in primary care, dental, and mental health services. In response, the Primary Care service line embarked on a journey to offer non-traditional access hours that meet the needs of both patients and physicians who are seeking flexible hours. By the end of fiscal year 2024, Primary Care identified several practices across all regions to offer extended hours.
3 of 5 Wellstar health parks now offer extended primary care hours.
7 Wellstar primary care practices operate seven days a week.
9 others offer weekday extended hours.
These extended hours provide approximately six additional appointments per clinician during the week and between 10 to 16 more appointments on the weekends, per practice.
Congregational Health Network Wellstar’s Congregational Health Network (CHN) serves as a bridge between our healthcare system and faith communities. Coordinated by a full-time registered nurse who specializes in faith community nursing, Wellstar’s program is designed to assist congregations of all faiths to develop or support volunteer or paid health ministries. With more than 100 congregations and 1,500 spiritual care partners, CHN serves as a key to Wellstar’s successful implementation of equity-centered programs. Through this network, Wellstar can disseminate information, implement programs at trusted neighborhood-based sites, and strengthen the organizations to provide whole-person support. SUCCESS STORY: The Congregational Health Network – with support from the Wellstar Foundation – forged a relationship with Ser Familia to employ a “Promotora”. Promotoras serve as trusted community partners, advocating for and educating on the individual health needs of community residents. The Promotora – having completed Community Health Worker training – educates and connects Spanish- speaking community members to resources to address social determinants of health. Through this partnership, Wellstar helps traditionally medically underserved communities gain access to health and social care resources.
12 | WELLSTAR HEALTH SYSTEM
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