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WakeMed
WakeMed
from Wikipedia

WakeMed Health and Hospitals is a 1,003-bed healthcare system with multiple facilities placed around the metropolitan Raleigh, North Carolina area.[2] WakeMed's main campus is located on New Bern Avenue in Raleigh, North Carolina. WakeMed serves multiple counties throughout the state and specializes in a variety of services including cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopedics, high-risk pregnancy, children's care, trauma, physical rehabilitation and critical care transport.

Key Information

History

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The construction of a publicly financed hospital for Wake County, North Carolina was approved via a voter-authorized bond issue in 1955. Memorial Hospital of Wake County, today known as WakeMed Raleigh Campus, opened in 1961 with 380 beds and 50 doctors. Though originally a public hospital, WakeMed is currently a private, not-for-profit corporation that operates many facilities in and around Wake County.

As of March, 2020, WakeMed is the only provider of the following services in Wake County:[3]

  • Level I Trauma Center as designated by the North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services.
  • Licensed rehabilitation hospital.
  • Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and one of seven Harvard developmental training sites.
  • Neuro intensive care unit and dedicated neurosciences inpatient unit.
  • Children's intensive care unit.
  • Children's diabetes and asthma programs.
  • Pediatrics specialists in surgery, neurology, endocrinology, orthopaedics, neonatology, child development and more.
  • Women's Pavilion and Birthplace - Cary
  • Emergency Services Institute focusing on research, emergency preparedness and response in the event of community emergencies and disaster either natural or man-made.
  • Patient Simulation Center for training health professionals.

Facilities

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WakeMed Raleigh Campus

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WakeMed's largest campus, based in Raleigh, houses six adult intensive care units, a same-day surgery center, two 24-hour emergency departments, one for adults and another for children, an 84-bed rehabilitation hospital, a Women's Pavilion & Birthplace, a 48-bed neonatal intensive care nursery, physician practices through WakeMed Faculty Physicians, laboratories and diagnostic services.

WakeMed Cary Hospital

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WakeMed Cary Hospital, located in Cary, North Carolina opened in 1991 as Western Wake Medical Center. It is a 156-bed hospital with 24-hour emergency services, a same-day surgery center, a Women's Pavilion & Birthplace, an intensive care unit, imaging services, and a sleep center specializing in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.

WakeMed North Hospital

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In May 2015, Wakemed Health and Hospitals upgraded their North Healthplex facility into a full hospital, specializing in women's and children's services. The 61-bed facility will provide comprehensive OBGYN support. It is located on Falls of Neuse Road in north Raleigh, built on land that was once the Pullen Plantation.[4]

Outpatient facilities

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In addition to its three full service hospitals, WakeMed operates several outpatient facilities that include freestanding emergency departments. The stand-alone emergency department locations include:

The system also has multiple outpatient rehab locations in and around Wake County.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
WakeMed Health & Hospitals is a private, not-for-profit healthcare system based in , serving as the region's leading provider of comprehensive medical services since its founding in 1961. With nearly 12,500 employees and 481 physicians as of 2024, it operates a network of facilities including three acute-care hospitals, one , and one behavioral health hospital, totaling 973 licensed beds. The system encompasses the flagship WakeMed Raleigh Campus at 3000 New Bern Avenue, a Level I ; WakeMed Cary Hospital, a 208-bed facility expanded in 2021 and designated as a Level III ; and WakeMed North Hospital, its newest 77-bed addition focused on advanced care. Complementing these are four healthplexes equipped with 24/7 emergency departments, bringing the total to eight emergency departments across the network, alongside 176 physician practices offering primary and specialty care. WakeMed's services emphasize patient-centered care in key areas such as heart and vascular, cancer care, women's and children's services, brain and spine, orthopaedics, rehabilitation, and emergency medicine, supported by advanced technologies and wellness programs like genetic screening and corporate health assessments. Governed by a 14-member volunteer Board of Directors and led by President and CEO Donald R. Gintzig, the organization's mission is to improve community health and well-being through outstanding, compassionate care.

History

Founding and Early Development

Wake Memorial Hospital, now known as the WakeMed Raleigh Campus, opened its doors on April 24, 1961, as the first public hospital dedicated to serving all residents of , regardless of race, religion, or ability to pay. The facility was constructed on a site along New Bern Avenue in Raleigh following voter approval of a $5 million bond referendum in 1955 to fund the project. It launched with 380 beds and an initial staff of around 90 physicians, marking a significant advancement in accessible healthcare for the rapidly growing county. From its inception, the hospital emphasized general services, including operations, and gynecology, , and , with the first patient—a newborn delivered at 12:07 p.m. on —highlighting its immediate role in needs. It quickly assumed responsibility for emergency services previously handled by other local facilities, such as St. Agnes Hospital, which closed its doors shortly after Wake Memorial's debut, effectively desegregating hospital care in the area. As the county's primary , it provided essential care to underserved populations during its early decades under public ownership. In the mid-1960s, the hospital began incorporating specialized services, including its first open-heart surgery in 1968, which laid the groundwork for advanced cardiovascular care. This period of foundational growth continued until the organization's transition from public county ownership to a private, not-for-profit corporation in 1997.

Major Expansions and Milestones

In 1991, WakeMed opened its second full-service hospital, WakeMed Cary Hospital (initially known as Western Wake Medical Center), with 80 beds to serve the growing population in western Wake County. This expansion marked a significant step in decentralizing care from the flagship Raleigh campus and addressing regional healthcare needs. A pivotal organizational shift occurred in 1997, when WakeMed transitioned from public county ownership to a private, not-for-profit corporation, enabling greater flexibility for growth and investment in services while maintaining its community-focused mission. This change supported subsequent developments, including the 2015 opening of WakeMed North Hospital with an initial 61 beds, focusing initially on and expanding to comprehensive in northern Wake County. In 2021, WakeMed Cary Hospital underwent a major vertical expansion, adding two floors and approximately 102,000 square feet to enhance surgical suites, capacity, and patient rooms, bringing the facility to 208 beds overall. In 2024, WakeMed opened its WakeBrook behavioral health hospital with 28 beds. By 2024, the WakeMed system had achieved a total of 973 licensed beds. In February 2025, state regulators approved additions of 21 beds at the Raleigh campus and 24 at Cary Hospital. During the , WakeMed responded with surge capacity measures, including modifications to air handling systems for infection control and designation of two campus locations plus a community center for lower-acuity patients to alleviate pressure on main hospitals in 2020-2021. The system also became one of North Carolina's first providers of infusions for patients starting in late 2020, aiding in early treatment efforts.

Organization and Leadership

Governance Structure

WakeMed Health & Hospitals is governed by a 14-member volunteer , composed of community representatives who oversee the organization's strategic direction and operations as a not-for-profit . Eight of these directors are appointed by the Wake County Board of Commissioners, while the remaining six are selected internally by the board following nominations from existing non-County-appointed members. The board is led by a chair, currently Satish Mathan, MD, and operates through specialized committees, including the Finance Committee, which reviews financial strategies and budgeting, and committees focused on quality care to ensure high standards in and clinical outcomes. The governance structure emphasizes compliance and excellence, with WakeMed accredited by The Joint Commission, an independent organization that evaluates healthcare facilities for quality and safety standards. Additionally, the Raleigh Campus holds verification as a from the , confirming its capability to provide comprehensive trauma care for adult and pediatric patients. As a 501(c)(3) , WakeMed's financial operations are structured to reinvest surpluses into initiatives rather than distribute profits. Its primary revenue sources include patient services, which accounted for the majority of its $2.3 billion in total operating revenue for 2024, supplemented by philanthropic contributions and community funding through the WakeMed Foundation. Annual financial reports, published via statistical highlights and IRS filings, provide transparency into these operations, detailing expenses such as labor and supplies while highlighting the system's commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Executive Leadership

Donald R. Gintzig has served as President and of WakeMed Health & Hospitals since October 2013, initially in an interim capacity before assuming the permanent role in May 2014. With over 30 years of experience in healthcare leadership, including prior roles as a in the U.S. Navy and CEO positions in not-for-profit and for-profit health systems, Gintzig has guided WakeMed's strategic direction toward enhanced services and operational efficiency. Under his tenure, the organization has advanced system-wide integration, focusing on provider- and patient-centered technologies to improve care delivery and accessibility. Key members of the executive team include Thomas Gough, MHA, who serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing daily operations and strategic implementation across WakeMed's facilities; Gough brings extensive experience in healthcare administration from prior roles in hospital management. Seth Brody, MD, MPH, acts as Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Executive, leading physician integration, clinical strategy, and quality initiatives; Brody's background includes medical practice and leadership in academic and hospital settings. As of 2025, WakeMed employs nearly 12,000 staff members and maintains affiliations with more than 1,300 physicians, supporting its role as a leading provider of health services in Wake County.

Facilities

WakeMed Raleigh Campus

The WakeMed Raleigh Campus, located at 3000 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh, North Carolina, serves as the flagship tertiary care facility of the WakeMed health system. This 587-bed hospital provides advanced medical services to patients across Wake County and the surrounding region, functioning as a major referral center for complex cases. It features five adult intensive care units and one pediatric intensive care unit, supporting high-acuity care needs, along with designation as a Level I Trauma Center verified by the American College of Surgeons. The campus layout includes multiple specialized buildings, such as the main hospital tower, a dedicated Women's Pavilion & Birthplace, and adjacent medical office structures, all designed to facilitate efficient patient flow and multidisciplinary collaboration. Integrated within the Raleigh Campus are key support facilities that enhance comprehensive patient care. The on-site WakeMed offers 73 licensed beds for acute rehabilitation, focusing on recovery from conditions like , trauma, and neurological disorders through specialized programs in physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Adjacent to the main , the WakeBrook Behavioral Health Hospital provides 28 licensed beds for adult and substance use treatment, emphasizing compassionate, intensive care in a dedicated environment. These integrated components allow for seamless transitions between , rehabilitation, and behavioral health services, promoting holistic recovery. The campus also houses specialized units that address critical cardiac and oncologic needs. The WakeMed Heart Center includes nine cardiac catheterization labs equipped with a 24/7 staffed team for emergent interventions, such as and placements, alongside dedicated cardiac care units for post-procedure monitoring. Complementing this, the WakeMed Cancer Care institute delivers comprehensive services, including medical , , , and access to clinical trials, all coordinated through multidisciplinary teams at on-campus locations like the Raleigh Medical Park. Additionally, the campus supports burn care through its trauma services and plastic expertise, though it is not a designated American Burn Association-verified . These features underscore the Raleigh Campus's role as a hub for advanced, specialized treatment within the broader WakeMed system.

WakeMed Cary Hospital

WakeMed Cary Hospital is located at 1900 Kildaire Farm Road in , serving the western Wake County community as a full-service facility. It features 208 licensed beds and operates as a Level III with a 24/7 providing comprehensive services. The hospital is staffed by over 1,300 employees, more than 900 physicians and advanced practice providers, and approximately 600 volunteers, supporting a range of inpatient and outpatient needs. In mid-2021, the hospital underwent a significant vertical expansion, adding two new floors and increasing its total space by more than 100,000 square feet to accommodate growing demand in the region. This project included the addition of new surgical suites for enhanced operating capabilities, advanced imaging services such as MRI and biplane angiography, and expanded maternity services through the and Birthplace, which now offers family-centered obstetric care including labor, delivery, and postpartum support. The expansion also incorporated a rooftop with direct access to key areas like the and surgical services, improving patient transport and care efficiency. The facility emphasizes specialized care in orthopedics, , and , providing treatments such as joint replacements, neurological diagnostics, and minimally invasive procedures to meet needs. These services are tailored to support residents of southern Wake , enhancing regional access to advanced medical care without requiring travel to larger tertiary centers.

WakeMed North Hospital

WakeMed North Hospital is located at 10000 Falls of Neuse Road in , serving the northern region of Wake County. As of 2025, it operates as a 77-bed full-service facility designed with a strong emphasis on family-centered care, particularly for maternity and pediatric services. The hospital integrates innovative spaces to support families, including comprehensive outpatient and inpatient options tailored to the growing community's needs. The Women's Pavilion at WakeMed North Hospital features a dedicated birthplace with family birthing suites that provide private labor, delivery, and recovery environments equipped for comfort, such as showers and . Complementing these is a six-bed Level III Special Care Nursery, outfitted with incubators, ventilators, and specialized staff to care for newborns requiring advanced intervention. This setup underscores the hospital's commitment to high-quality maternity care in a supportive, family-oriented setting. In 2015, the hospital underwent a significant upgrade with the opening of its inpatient facilities, which added a 24/7 and expanded surgical capabilities specifically for and . These enhancements included a focus on minimally invasive procedures to promote faster recovery and reduced trauma for patients in obstetric and pediatric cases. This development transformed the site into Wake County's first dedicated women's hospital while maintaining broad family health services.

Rehabilitation, Behavioral Health, and Outpatient Facilities

WakeMed , located on the Raleigh , is a 73-bed inpatient facility specializing in comprehensive rehabilitation for , injuries, brain injuries, amputations, and orthopedic conditions affecting both adults and children. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), it is the largest such hospital in and has earned national recognition from for its superior patient outcomes and specialized programs, including the Program with 26 private rooms dedicated to enhancing recovery and healing. The facility emphasizes interdisciplinary care, integrating physical, occupational, and speech therapies to support long-term functional independence. WakeBrook Behavioral Health, a 28-bed inpatient at 111 Sunnybrook Road in Raleigh, provides psychiatric care and for adults aged 18 and older facing severe challenges. Operated in partnership with Wake County, it offers intensive treatment for conditions such as , , and substance use disorders, with a focus on patient-centered practices to reduce restraint use and promote recovery. The campus includes a behavioral for immediate crisis assessment and stabilization, ensuring accessible entry to care without requiring full admission. WakeMed maintains four healthplexes—at Apex, Brier Creek, Garner, and Wendell—designed as freestanding outpatient sites offering 24/7 departments alongside diagnostic and urgent care services to serve surrounding communities efficiently. In October 2025, WakeMed received state certification to develop a fifth healthplex in Rolesville, expected to open in 2027 with , imaging, and services. Each healthplex features board-certified physicians, advanced imaging like , CT scans, and , as well as testing; for instance, the Brier Creek Healthplex includes 12 private treatment rooms and an receiving area for rapid response. The Garner Healthplex similarly provides round-the-clock care for children and adults, backed by the broader WakeMed network for transfers when needed. Complementing these, WakeMed operates eight additional outpatient centers dedicated to and diagnostics, including sites like the Raleigh Medical Park Diagnostic Center, which delivers , lab services, and pre-admission testing in a convenient setting. These centers support preventive care through annual check-ups, chronic disease management, and acute illness treatment via over 80 physician practices staffed by board-certified providers. Services encompass onsite labs for and chemistry, as well as specialized diagnostics like MRI and , prioritizing accessibility for non-emergent needs.

Medical Services and Specialties

Emergency and Trauma Care

WakeMed's and trauma care system is anchored by the Raleigh Campus, which operates the only Level I in Wake County. This designation, the highest level available, enables comprehensive management of the most severe injuries for both adults and children, with 24/7 in-house staffing by trauma surgeons, emergency physicians, nurses, and support specialists including orthopaedists, neurosurgeons, and respiratory therapists. The center processed 4,960 trauma activations in FY2024, functioning as a regional resource for complex cases requiring immediate multidisciplinary intervention. Complementing the Raleigh Campus, WakeMed maintains a network of departments distributed across its facilities, including freestanding healthplexes that provide rapid access to care in suburban areas. These sites integrate seamlessly with local for swift patient transport to the Level I center when advanced resources are required, ensuring efficient and response times. The system as a whole handled 338,953 visits in FY2024, emphasizing coordinated care from initial assessment to stabilization. Specialized protocols guide WakeMed's response to time-sensitive emergencies, including certified pathways for care as a Primary Stroke Center with telestroke consultations for remote support; STEMI heart attacks through its accredited Center for immediate catheterization; and pediatric cases via a dedicated Children's tailored for young patients. All trauma services, including the Level III program at Cary Hospital, hold verification from the , upholding rigorous standards for protocol adherence, quality improvement, and patient outcomes.

Specialized Treatment Centers

WakeMed operates several dedicated centers focused on managing complex conditions such as burns, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, providing specialized multidisciplinary care at its Raleigh Campus and affiliated facilities. These centers integrate advanced diagnostics, surgical interventions, and supportive therapies to address ongoing treatment needs for patients with chronic or severe conditions. The Burn Treatment and Reconstruction services at WakeMed's Raleigh Campus specialize in repairing burn scars and deformities to restore function and improve , utilizing techniques from the Plastic & team to enhance in affected muscles and joints. Complementing these efforts, WakeMed employs hyperbaric , where patients breathe 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to promote tissue regeneration and faster healing of burn-related wounds. This therapy increases oxygen levels in the bloodstream, aiding in the recovery of damaged tissues. WakeMed's Heart & Vascular Center delivers comprehensive care for cardiac and vascular conditions, featuring advanced interventions such as (TAVR), a that replaces a faulty via through a small incision, suitable for patients at high surgical risk. The center also provides services for diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders, including irregular heartbeats, through procedures like and implantation of devices to manage complex arrhythmias. These offerings are supported by a team of cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, and specialists in areas like advanced and structural heart disease. In October 2025, WakeMed collaborated with Recora to expand access to virtual care. The WakeMed Cancer Care program, in collaboration with Duke Health through the Cancer Care Plus+ initiative, coordinates multidisciplinary teams to deliver personalized treatment for adult patients, encompassing , medical , and surgical expertise. Services include , which uses targeted high-energy rays to slow or stop tumor growth, often employed before to shrink tumors or alongside other modalities for comprehensive management. The program participates in clinical trials via the WakeMed Clinical Research Institute, enabling access to innovative therapies, and has treated over 10,000 unique patients since its establishment in 2022, with over 83,000 patient encounters as of June 2025; it expanded to a third location in North Raleigh in 2025.

Community Engagement and Innovations

Community Outreach Programs

WakeMed engages in a range of community outreach initiatives aimed at enhancing and access to care within Wake County, focusing on preventive services and support for vulnerable populations. Through its Mobile Wellness Services, the organization provides free or low-cost health screenings, including , , and vascular assessments, as well as drives for flu and , delivered directly to community sites to broaden reach beyond traditional clinical settings. These efforts are complemented by school-based and youth-focused wellness programs, such as the ENERGIZE! initiative, a family-centered program for children ages 6-18 that promotes healthy eating, , and through group fitness, , and community collaborations with departments. The program operates across multiple locations in the greater Raleigh area, emphasizing lifelong wellness habits to combat . In partnership with local governments and agencies, WakeMed supports and efforts, particularly for underserved communities. As a key member of the Capital Regional Advisory Committee (CapRAC), WakeMed collaborates with Wake County EMS, state , and regional stakeholders to prepare for and respond to disasters, including providing medical resources through the State Medical Assistance Team (SMAT) during events like hurricanes. These partnerships extend to health equity initiatives via the Center for Community Health, Innovation, and Equity, which delivers coordinated, —including , , and case management—to high-risk groups such as the homeless, uninsured, and chronically ill residents in Wake County. The center addresses disparities by connecting patients to social resources and integrating services with community partners like Project Access for uninsured care referrals. To ensure accessibility, WakeMed offers robust financial assistance programs and charity care, providing discounts up to 100% of gross charges for eligible low-income patients based on federal poverty guidelines. In 2024, the unreimbursed costs of treating charity care patients exceeded $116 million, reflecting the scale of uncompensated care delivered to uninsured and underinsured individuals in the community. These programs align with WakeMed's broader commitment to reducing barriers to healthcare, as outlined in its Community Health Needs Assessment implementation strategies.

Technological and Research Advancements

WakeMed implemented the Epic electronic health records (EHR) system in 2015 to enhance data integration and patient care coordination across its facilities, with a significant upgrade to the 2018 version completed in December of that year to incorporate new features for improved . This system-wide adoption has enabled seamless access to patient records for providers, supporting tools like Epic CareLink for external collaboration and analytics-driven scheduling to reduce access bottlenecks. In terms of advanced imaging and surgical technologies, WakeMed has integrated 3T MRI scanners, which provide high-resolution imaging for detailed diagnostics in areas such as and orthopedics, following the acquisition of additional units optimized for high-performance magnet in 2019. The health system also employs da Vinci robotic platforms across its campuses, including the da Vinci Xi system at Cary Hospital and WakeMed North Hospital, enabling minimally invasive procedures in specialties like , gynecology, and ; by 2024, WakeMed had expanded to a total of seven such systems to support precision and reduce recovery times. WakeMed advances clinical research through its Clinical Research Institute, which collaborates with the on educational and investigative initiatives, including residency training and trials in key areas like and . In , ongoing studies include the BACKBEAT trial evaluating pacemaker modulation for control and the OMNY-AF trial assessing pulsed field ablation for , while efforts focus on innovative therapies to improve patient outcomes, all supported by a centralized for ethical oversight. These partnerships facilitate access to diverse patient populations and contribute to national and international research networks.

References

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