Grady Health System announced on Mar. 18 plans to build a new medical center campus in South Fulton County, along with a planned leadership transition as part of its long-term strategy.
The announcement marks a significant investment aimed at expanding access to care, addressing capacity challenges, and supporting community health in one of metro Atlanta’s fastest growing areas. The new campus will open in phases, starting with a medical office building followed by an acute care hospital near the freestanding emergency department currently under construction on Campbellton Fairburn Road in Union City.
“At Grady, world-class care extends far beyond our hospital walls,” said John Haupert, President and CEO at Grady. “For generations, we have been a cornerstone of Atlanta’s health care system by strengthening the region’s infrastructure, advancing economic stability, and empowering communities to not just survive, but thrive.”
Demand for Grady’s services continues to rise, with more than 2,000 patients receiving care daily and about 155,000 annual emergency department visits. To meet this demand, Grady has expanded its services through neighborhood clinics, mobile health units, home-based programs, remote monitoring, and telehealth. Despite these efforts, capacity constraints remain due to changes in federal funding and policies affecting hospital finances.
The South Fulton campus will include imaging services, specialty clinics, pharmacy services, rehabilitation facilities, and pediatric care provided by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The planned 200-bed acute care hospital is expected to serve as a Level 3 verified trauma center. Construction will be phased: the medical office building is set to open in early 2028; the hospital is expected by 2031; and the freestanding emergency department will open in June 2026 before being integrated into the new facility. The project cost exceeds $1 billion and will be funded through Fulton County bonds ($300 million), Grady financing, and philanthropic support from a multi-year capital campaign.
Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts said: “We are proud of this latest partnership with Grady. South Fulton County is both a rapidly growing community and a recognized health care desert. For the people of South Fulton, improved access to health care is not a luxury, it is a necessity. No longer will families be forced to travel long distances or lose critical time seeking emergency or basic medical services. Closing this gap will save lives.”
In addition to the new campus project, Grady plans further expansion of its neighborhood health centers and urgent care network.
As part of its organizational strategy for future growth and service delivery improvements, Grady also announced that John Haupert will retire as President and CEO at the end of 2026 after fifteen years leading the system. Effective immediately Anthony Saul becomes President and Chief Operating Officer; he will assume full responsibilities as President and CEO on January 1st ,2027.
Larry Gellerstedt , chair of the Board of Directors for Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation , said : “As Grady prepares for the future , Anthony is the right leader at the right time . He understands the complexity of our mission ,the importance of operational excellence ,and responsibility we have to communities we serve . Anthony’s experience ,values,and vision align squarely with where Grady is headed,and we are confident in his ability to lead organization through next phase growth while preserving mission that has defined Grady since1892 .”
Haupert will continue serving as an advisor through 2027 , providing strategic guidance on major projects including South Fulton campus development.
