WellStar Wants To Build Emergency Facility in Holly Springs

WellStar Health System continues to explore its options to expand in Cherokee County.

The company has filed a letter intent with the Georgia Department of Community Health to build a $21 million off-site emergency center on Sixes Road at Interstate 575.

WellStar Spokesperson Keith Bowermaster said the company submitted a letter of intent for a "free standing emergency department" at the location, which is situated on 62 acres on the southwest corner of Sixes Road and I-575. 

The initial phase would include a facility between 100,000 to 120,000 square feet. Bowermaster said noted there's no set timetable for construction. 

"WellStar is committed to providing quality health care to the residents of Cherokee County," he said in a statement. "As the preferred health care provider in that area, as demonstrated by our large market share, WellStar will continue to work with the residents, physicians and county and city officials to provide high quality health care services to Cherokee County."

The Holly Springs Planning and Zoning Commission last month reviewed WellStar's plans, but tabled making a recommendation until its Feb. 28 meeting. 

WellStar in October submitted a letter of intent to the state to build a $23 million facility at 145 North Medical Parkway, which is located off Towne Lake Parkway.

The company later decided to halt its plans to file for a certificate of need review to expand in the Towne Lake area. 

The certificate of need process came know to the public as WellStar and Northside faced off last year when WellStar challenged Northside Hospital's letter of intent to build a replacement hospital in Canton.

The company eventually dropped its challenge and Northside has moved forward with its plans to replace its 84-bed facility on Hospital Road in Canton with a new building along Commerce Boulevard.

Construction is well underway for Northside Hospital's new medical office building at 900 Towne Lake Parkway, which will be located in close proximity to WellStar's Urgent Care at Towne Lake.