WakeMed leaders say they’ve got a lot of work ahead to sell skeptics on the benefits of merging with Charlotte-based Atrium Health but are confident they will win people over.
The two nonprofit health systems announced the planned combination late Friday, saying it would provide WakeMed with an infusion of investment in staff and facilities to help continue its mission of community healthcare.
Almost immediately, State Treasurer Brad Briner released a statement saying consolidation usually reduces competition and hurts consumers. Asked to sign off on the deal Monday, Wake County commissioners voted instead to delay a decision for at least 90 days to give WakeMed time to make the case for the merger and answer questions…