By Dan Hounsell

The string of new construction and expansion announcements from healthcare systems nationwide continues as the market, along with other parts of the U.S. economy, begins to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

University Hospital in Georgia is preparing to usher in a new era, according to WJBF. The hospital recently announced that it signed a non-binding letter-of-intent with Piedmont Healthcare, initiating a due-diligence period between the two systems. Piedmont is the largest healthcare system in Georgia with hospitals in Athens, Columbus, Atlanta and areas surrounding the Atlanta area. It serves 70 percent of the state’s population.

Piedmont Healthcare plans to invest more than $1 billion over 10 years to enhance and expand University facilities, information technology, clinical infrastructure and operational capabilities to better serve the healthcare needs of the region. An additional $2 million will be spent annually to support community benefit programs and other initiatives to address health disparities and inequities.