WakeMed and Atrium Health want to merge. Tell us your questions about the plan
WakeMed and Charlotte-based Atrium Health recently announced plans to merge in a move WakeMed leaders say will help upgrade and expand the health system’s services.
The two nonprofit health systems tout two headline-grabbing numbers: $2 billion in investment by Atrium Health and its parent company, Advocate Health, and 3,300 new healthcare jobs in Wake County over five years.
But the proposed merger — two years in development before it was publicly announced — has raised questions and concerns about higher prices and lower quality of services. Some, including State Auditor Dave Boliek, say even if the combination ultimately makes sense, the rush to bring it to Wake County commissioners raised suspicions
We want to hear from you. What questions do you have about the merger? What concerns do you have? Have you received healthcare from either hospital and want to share your story?
Email reporter Richard Stradling at rstradling@newsobserver.com, or fill out the form below. Your information will not be published. Reporters with The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer will seek answers.
WakeMed scheduled a series of forums where the public can “listen, learn and discuss” the merger on May 21, 26, 27 and 28. WakeMed also has created a webpage where people can share their thoughts online.
This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 10:40 AM.
