Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center | Wellstar Health System
Source: http://www.wellstar.org/locations/pages/wellstar-kennestone-hospital.aspx
Archived: 2026-04-23 16:39
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center | Wellstar Health System
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
As one of the Top 100 hospitals, Wellstar Kennestone offers the most advanced care available for all your surgical, medical, rehabilitative and emergency care needs. In addition to a highly qualified team of physicians, nurses and clinical staff, we offer the very latest in technology and diagnostic imaging capabilities.
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
Info
Services
Awards
Events
News
Publication
Emergency care check-in
Urgent Care Check-in
Information
Address
677 Church Street NE
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone Number
(770) 793-5000
Directory
Parking Information
Campus Map
Visitor Information
Food Options
Volunteer Opportunities
PeopleCare Advisory Program (PCAP)
Accreditations & Recognition
Nursing
(770) 793-5169
Monday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
(770) 793-5328
Monday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
(770) 793-5082
Monday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(770) 793-5171
Monday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(770) 793-9300
Monday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Saturday:
10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Sunday:
11:00 AM-5:00 PM
(770) 793-5005
Monday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Gift Shop
Blue Tower, visitor lobby
(770) 793-5169
Open
▼
Monday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Medical Records
(770) 793-5328
Open
▼
Monday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Patient Billing
(770) 793-5082
Open
▼
Monday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Patient Experience
Purple Tower, Main Level
(770) 793-5171
Open
▼
Monday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Pharmacy
Blue Tower #8
(770) 793-9300
Open
▼
Monday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Saturday:
10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Sunday:
11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Spiritual Health
(770) 793-5005
Open
▼
Monday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Parking Information
PARKING UPDATE
— We are pleased to share that the Blue Parking Deck has reopened as our primary patient/visitor paid parking deck. The Cancer Center Parking Deck is also open as a paid patient/visitor parking deck. Golf carts with drivers remain available at the entrance of both decks to shuttle visitors and patients to the hospital entrance from 6:00am to 9:00pm daily, and personnel are present to help further direct you. Thank you for your patience as we worked through deck repairs together!
Click to download and save printable PDF file.
Blue Parking Deck
The Blue Parking Deck is our primary patient/visitor parking deck and allows direct access to the main hospital entrance and all services. Located off Tower Road and accessible by turning onto Kennestone Hospital Boulevard.
Direct access to:
All inpatient units
All critical care units
Inpatient admissions
Outpatient registration
Labor & Delivery
Women’s Services/Imaging
Outpatient imaging and lab services
Outpatient Surgery Center
Cardiac services
GI Lab
Pulmonary services
Wound Center
Medical Records
Care Coordination & Social Services
Valet Parking
Valet parking is available at the main entrance to the hospital on Kennestone Hospital Boulevard for $6. The service is available Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm, excluding holidays. Parking passes are not accepted. Valet Parking service is also available at Whitcher Street Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm.
Green Parking Deck
Located off of Church Street by turning onto Whitcher Street. Whitcher Street Physician Center access; also allows access to Whitcher Street bridge to Main Street in the Green Tower.
Cancer Center Parking Deck
Located off of Tower Road by turning onto Kennestone Hospital Boulevard.
Cancer Center visitors—park in Blue Parking Deck and shuttle is provided to Cancer Center. (Monday - Friday: 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Health Place members—park in Employee Parking Deck, located off of North Avenue. Shuttle is provided to Health Place. (Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
Emergency Services Parking Lot
15-minute parking available for patient drop-off in front of Emergency Department door. For longer than 15-minutes, parking is l
ocated under Emergency Department building. Parking for patients being seen in the Emergency Department. Patient’s vehicle must be moved once the patient is released from the Emergency Department or admitted to the hospital.
Surgery Center Parking Lot
Located off of Church Street. Parking is
only
for patients scheduled for pre-op testing, general surgery and Vascular Institute procedures. Only
one
vehicle permitted per patient. Patient’s vehicle must be moved by midnight on the day of surgery.
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center Campus Map
Click to download and save printable PDF file.
Visitor Information
Visitor Check-in Information
Wellstar medical centers are a safe space. All adult visitors must check in at the desk with a photo ID and wear a visitor badge at all times.
Click here for more information.
Visitor Guidelines
Wellstar Kennestone understands that having loved ones by your side can help with your healing and care. You have the right to choose and prioritize visitors from among family, friends, partners, personal care aides or other individuals (regardless of the person’s gender or your relationship to the person). To provide a restful and safe environment, we ask that visitors follow these guidelines:
Smoking is prohibited on the campus.
Please refrain from visiting if you have a cold, sore throat, fever or other illness.
Avoid noisy, disruptive behavior to help respect the healing of all patients.
Ask before bringing foods, drinks or other items that might trigger allergies like balloons, flowers or perfume into patient rooms.
Wash your hands before entering patient rooms.
Make sure children have a supervising adult with them at all times.
Some areas may restrict children or limit the age of children allowed to visit. Please check with the nursing staff.
Dress appropriately and wear shirts and shoes.
If a family member stays overnight, he or she must be of the same sex in semi-private rooms.
After-Hours Visiting
All visitors entering Wellstar Kennestone between 9:00 PM and 5:30 AM, or planning to stay past 9:00 PM, must check in at one of the visitor management kiosks. Please bring a form of government ID. A Security Services team member will print you a FastPass® photo ID badge. A new pass is required daily for each after-hours visit.
Waiting Areas
Waiting areas for visitors are on each patient floor and on the main floor of each tower. Specific waiting areas have been designated for families of patients in the Critical Care Unit, the Emergency Department and Surgery.
Quiet Time
To provide healing and rest, Wellstar observes quiet times from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM each day. Visitors are encouraged to turn off televisions and cellphones.
Food Options
Mountainside Bistro
Location
Located in Yellow Tower on the Main Floor
Hours
Pizzeria
– Everyday - 11 AM - 7 PM
Deli + Grill
– Everyday - 7 AM - 7 PM
Global Table
– Everyday - 6 AM - 2 AM
Rotisserie
– Weekdays - 11 AM - 2 PM
Smoothie + Juice
– Everyday - 7 AM - 3 PM
Salad + Garden
- All Day Everyday
Market
- All Day Everyday
Wellbean Coffee
Location
Located in Yellow Tower
Hours
Open everyday – 6 AM - 10 PM
Kennestone Café
If you're a visitor who would like to eat in a patient's room, please purchase a guest tray from the cafeteria cashier.
Location
Lower level near Green Tower elevators.
Hours
Monday through Friday: 6:00 AM-8:00 PM and 11:30 PM-3:00 AM
Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM-7:00 PM and 11:30 PM-3:00 AM
Calm Water Café
Location
Wellstar Kennestone Cancer Center
Hours
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Become a Wellstar Volunteer
Working diligently in virtually every area of our hospital, volunteers are our extra hands and hearts! They play the harp and the piano, provide pet therapy, sing, knit, wash hair, do hand massage, encourage, care, help, smile, serve tea, hold hands, garden and push wheelchairs.
Wellstar's 1,100 volunteers work more than 200,000 hours a year, representing $3.6 million in donated time.
Wellstar volunteers also raise money—more than $773,000 each year, helping us buy needed equipment, renovate facilities and educate our patients.
Currently suspended due to COVID-19. Check back for updates.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
PeopleCare Advisory Program (PCAP)
Join our PeopleCare Advisory Program (PCAP) at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. Our PCAP is a group of patients, family members of patients and hospital leaders who are committed to finding opportunities to improve the patient and family experience here at Wellstar Kennestone.
Learn more about our PeopleCare Advisory Program at Wellstar Kennestone
Accreditations & Recognition
Trauma Care
Level I Trauma Center verification from the American College of Surgeons and designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health State Office of EMS and Trauma
Rehabilitation Care
U.S. News & World Report, Nationally Ranked in Adult Specialty, Rehabilitation 2022
Quality & Safety
U.S. News & World Report, Best Hospitals in Georgia 2020
Heart Care
Comprehensive Cardiac Center Certification by The Joint Commission
The Joint Commission's Gold Seal Certification for coronary artery bypass, heart valve repair and replacement and heart failure
Joint Commission certification for CAB and Valve Replacement and Repairs programs
Three stars (highest possible rating) in four categories evaluated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS): isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, or open-heart surgery), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, and multiprocedural cardiothoracic surgeries
Level I ECCC Emergency Cardiac Care Center Designation by Georgia Department of Public Health
Mission: Lifeline® - STEMI Receiving Center - GOLD by the American Heart Association
Mission: Lifeline® - NSTEMI - GOLD by the American Heart Association
#6 Ranking for Best Hospitals for Cardiology & Heart Surgery in Georgia by by U.S. News and World Report
Walter F. Johnson IV Chest Pain Observation Unit, low-risk chest pain patients receive rapid triage and treatment
Get With the Guidelines Heart Failure Gold Plus, Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, Target Heart Failure Honor Roll
Get With the Guidelines Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Gold with Target Type 2 Diabetes
Get With the Guidelines Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Bronze
Get With the Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Target: Stroke Elite Plus Honor Roll Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy Honor Roll
Recognized by the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative as a Carotid Care Quality Champion
Stroke Care
Designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and the Georgia Department of Public Health
Target: Stroke Honor Roll - Elite Plus
Target: Stroke Honor Roll Advanced Therapy
Get With The Guidelines: Gold Plus Achievement
AMSN PRISM Award®
Cancer Care
GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer
Care Continuum Center of Excellence
Spine Care
Certification in Spine Surgery from The Joint Commission
Surgical Care
Joint Replacement Excellence Award
Vascular Surgery Excellence Award
Life Support Care
ELSO Award for Excellence in Life Support – Gold Level
Nursing at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
At Wellstar Kennestone, it takes a village to deliver personalized care to the community. Our healthcare heroes are more than just nurses, doctors and staff helping people overcome illnesses. We are truly friends caring for friends, family caring for family and neighbors caring for neighbors.
Learn more about the nursing culture at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
Emergency care check-in
Urgent Care Check-in
Services
Service
Cancer Care
Comprehensive cancer care for the whole person.
Learn More
Service
Heart Care
Comprehensive, cardiac care you can count on.
Learn More
Service
Neuro Care
Expert care for brain and spine disease and injury, including stroke care.
Learn More
Department
Emergency Care
State-of-the-art facility delivering quality and compassionate care.
Learn More
Service
Labor & Delivery
Ensuring your birth experience is as comfortable and joyous as possible.
Learn More
Service
Child & Adolescent Care
Personalized, world-class care for children and young adults.
Learn More
Service
Pharmacy
Have your prescription filled and ready before you leave.
Learn More
Service
Bariatric Surgery
Personalized weight loss plan and support to improve your overall health.
Learn More
Ongoing Care
Cardiac Rehabilitation
A medically supervised program designed to improve quality of life.
Learn More
Service
Ear, Nose and Throat
Medical and surgical solutions for hearing, balance, snoring and sinus issues.
Learn More
Service
General Surgery
From elective to trauma, specializing in procedures with quicker recovery.
Learn More
Service
Orthopedics
No matter the injury, we’ve got everything you need to get moving again.
Learn More
Service
Robotic Surgery
Advanced technology with smaller incisions, less pain and quicker recovery.
Learn More
Service
Vascular Surgery
Providing a comprehensive plan of surgery, recovery and rehabilitation.
Learn More
Service
Women's Health
Specialty care for every stage of life.
Learn More
Service
Wound Care
Customized care for non-healing or chronic wounds.
Learn More
View All Services
Awards and Accreditations
Wellstar is frequently recognized for its commitment to providing world-class healthcare and excellent patient service
Magnet® Recognition for Nursing Excellence
The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence.
Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Earned the highest possible rating—three stars—in four categories evaluated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS): isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, or open-heart surgery), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, and multiprocedural cardiothoracic surgeries.
Best Hospitals In Georgia
Recognized by US News & World Report for excellence in treating complex, high-risk patients with life-threatening or rare conditions.
Personalized Treatment, Exceptional Care
New, state-of-the-art emergency department delivers quality and compassionate care to every patient, every time
Impacting the Lives of Real People Every Day
Providing world-class care for the people and the communities we serve
Direct, Emergency CT Access
Our emergency department features a separate high acuity ambulance entrance with direct access to CT imaging
Upcoming Events
View All Events
For the health and safety of our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, all events and classes are limited. For a complete list,
see our event calendar
.
News
Wellstar Kennestone Expands Care with New Tower
Communities across Cobb County and Metro Atlanta are growing quickly—and so is the need for world-class healthcare.
The new Yellow Tower at
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
is helping meet that need. The nine-story, 235-bed patient tower expands hospital capacity, strengthens specialty care and enhances the patient experience through state-of-the-art technology and spaces that support healing.
Opening to patients April 15, 2026, the tower represents a $400 million investment in the future of healthcare for the region—helping ensure families across Georgia can access expert care when and where they need it.
Expanding capacity and advancing care
The approximately 300,000-square-foot tower increases acute care capacity and strengthens key service lines, including cardiology, neurology, oncology and surgery. Dedicated units for cardiac critical care, surgical care, neurological care and medical oncology allow care teams to deliver advanced treatment in environments built for each specialty.
The new tower also introduces a next-generation neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and enhanced neonatal services, expanding care for our smallest patients. A dedicated Women’s & Children’s entrance improves access and reinforces family-centered care.
"This tower is more than a new building—it reflects our commitment to providing extraordinary care for people across the Southeast,” said Ketul J. Patel, Wellstar president and CEO. “Wellstar Kennestone has become a destination hospital, with a Level I Trauma Center and nationally recognized specialty programs, including one of the best heart programs in the country. This investment allows us to serve more patients, support families during life’s most important moments, and give our teams the space and tools they need to deliver safe, high-quality care to every person, every time. When someone needs advanced care, they can find it at Wellstar.”
Technology that supports care
Every element of the Yellow Tower was designed with patients, families and care teams in mind.
All adult patient rooms are private, offering greater comfort and functionality. Natural light, sound-reducing features and adjustable lighting and privacy controls create a calm, quiet setting. Durable antimicrobial materials support infection prevention and help maintain a clean, safe space.
Throughout the new tower, smart-room technology keeps patients and care teams connected. Interactive digital whiteboards in each patient room display real-time care information, including medications, care team details and daily treatment plans.
Smart technology also supports patient safety. Remote monitoring allows trained team members to observe patients who may be at risk of falls or other complications. Virtual nursing helps coordinate admissions, discharges and documentation so bedside nurses can focus on direct patient care.
Other advanced capabilities—including AI-assisted monitoring and virtual rounding—enhance the care experience by helping identify risks earlier, improving decision-making and extending access to expert providers.
These advancements are especially impactful in high-acuity areas like neurology and neurosurgery.
“Expanding our neuro beds allows us to bring advanced technology and specialized brain and spine care directly to more patients,” said Frances Van Beek, assistant vice president of neuroscience and trauma services at Wellstar. “Because many of these services aren’t widely available, this growth helps ensure patients across Georgia can access the expert care they need.”
Specialized care for newborns and families
The Yellow Tower includes a 49-bed next-generation NICU designed to care for infants who are premature or critically ill while supporting families during a challenging time.
The new unit emphasizes natural light, quiet healing spaces and advanced monitoring technology that promotes healthy growth and development.
A centralized Milk Lab prepares fortified human milk, donor milk and prescribed formulas to meet the unique nutritional needs of infants in the NICU. The unit also includes six couplet care rooms, allowing mothers and babies receiving specialized care to remain together—encouraging bonding during treatment.
This focus on family-centered care reflects Wellstar’s commitment to supporting people at every stage of life—ensuring families have access to compassionate, specialized care when they need it most.
Hospitality-inspired dining experience
Under the patient tower, a new 22,000-square-foot kitchen powers a hospital-wide in-room dining service that blends restaurant-quality meals with clinical nutrition.
Patients can order meals when they’re ready to eat during service hours, with breakfast favorites available throughout the day. This model gives people greater choice and flexibility during their stay.
“We designed this program to give patients more control over their dining experience—so they can order what they want, when they want it,” said Ben Behimer, director of nutrition and food services at Wellstar Kennestone. “Our goal is to create a more personalized, restaurant-style experience that reflects the same level of quality and care patients expect across our hospital.”
Visitors and team members can also enjoy retail dining, including Mountainside Bistro—which features seven food concepts—and Wellbean Coffee, along with expanded indoor and outdoor seating.
The new kitchen and dining areas are over 50% larger than the previous space and feature dual production lines, allowing teams to prepare fresh meals efficiently for everyone they serve.
Rapid access when minutes matter
Wellstar Kennestone plays a critical role in caring for patients with serious injuries and complex conditions across Georgia. The hospital is verified as a Level I Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons and designated by the Georgia Department of Public Health—the highest level of trauma care available.
The new tower strengthens that capability. Expanded helipads and integrated flight paths connect the hospital directly with the Wellstar AirCare network, helping ensure patients can reach advanced care quickly.
Dual heavy-lift helipads support high-volume air medical operations, while overlook spaces within the tower provide views of the surrounding campus.
Wellstar AirCare operates a 24/7 air ambulance service with helicopters based in Augusta and south of Metro Atlanta. Care teams provide lifesaving care during transport, including whole blood transfusions for severe blood loss and support for patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Built for the future of care
The Yellow Tower was designed to adapt to evolving healthcare needs. Entire floors can be converted to negative pressure environments, allowing the hospital to respond quickly during infectious disease outbreaks or other public health emergencies.
The new tower also enhances Wellstar Kennestone’s ability to provide exceptional care every day—from welcoming babies to supporting people through cancer treatment and recovery. It ensures the hospital can continue caring for the community with the level of excellence people expect while preparing for what’s ahead.
Learn more at
wellstar.org/kennestone.
Keep Reading
Publications & Articles
Top Marks for Heart Care at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
has received several major commendations highlighting the high level of heart care continuously provided to patients—putting Wellstar’s cardiothoracic surgery program among the top in the nation. The Marietta-based
heart care
program received:
The coveted three-star rating in the following key areas from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS): isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, or open-heart surgery), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, and multiprocedural cardiothoracic surgeries. This is the highest category of quality, placing Wellstar Kennestone among the best programs for heart surgery in the U.S. and Canada.
The prestigious Comprehensive Cardiac Care Certification—the highest distinction awarded by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. Wellstar Kennestone was the first in Georgia to receive this certification.
These recognitions demonstrate Wellstar’s commitment to keeping advanced heart care close to home.
“These accomplishments speak volumes about the skill, precision and teamwork of our cardiothoracic team,” said
Dr. Richard Myung
, medical director of cardiothoracic surgery at Wellstar Kennestone. “We’re proud to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients from across the Southeast who have some of the most complex heart conditions.”
Three-star STS rating
STS ratings reflect not only surgical excellence, but also the quality of care patients receive in the critical 30-day period following surgery.
These results highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach—one that includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, nurses, cardiologists, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation specialists, critical care specialists, hospitalists, advanced practice providers and many others.
“This achievement is a testament to the entire care continuum,” said Steve Cermak, executive director of cardiovascular service line and hospital operations at Wellstar Kennestone. “From the operating room to recovery and rehabilitation, every team member plays a vital role in delivering outstanding outcomes.”
Among the three-star rankings is CABG. This procedure is commonly performed to treat people having a heart attack or other conditions including coronary heart disease with chest pain, multiple blocked coronary arteries or serious heart failure. The procedure is performed by cardiovascular surgeons at Wellstar Kennestone—
Dr. Theresa Luu
,
Dr. James Burke
and
Dr. Richard Myung
—who work as part of a large multidisciplinary team to give every patient the highest quality care at every step of the process, from diagnosis through surgery and recovery.
“This amazing recognition is about the great lengths we go to care for our patients, and why people travel from across the region to receive their care at Wellstar Kennestone,” added Director of Wellstar Cardiothoracic Surgery Services and the Structural Heart and Valve Program Karrie Davis. “We care for every patient like they’re a family member or close friend. That’s why we hold ourselves to the highest standards.”
Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
offers patients care close to home across Georgia communities at more than 25 cardiovascular locations, with more than 110 cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons standing ready to provide heart care for both routine and complex heart conditions. Wellstar also has one of the largest
cardiovascular rehabilitation
programs in Georgia, which helps patients improve their long-term outcomes.
Certification by The Joint Commission
The Joint Commission has also awarded Wellstar Kennestone with a Gold Seal of Approval in conjunction with the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark and certification as a Comprehensive Cardiac Center for the third consecutive time.
For the certification, Wellstar Kennestone underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including evaluating the care of the cardiac patient at every touch point in the cardiac care continuum with ongoing process improvement and health promotion for patients, as well as the community. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
The hospital first received the two-year certification in 2019. This recertification makes the third cycle—or sixth year—it has remained in place. Wellstar Kennestone was the first hospital in Georgia and remains the only one in the state to hold the comprehensive certification.
From prevention to post-cardiac event recovery, our well-connected and collaborative heart care team is dedicated to empowering you to regain your strength and independence. We offer top-quality cardiovascular care including diagnostics, treatment, psychological support and ongoing monitoring all focused on your well-being.
Learn more about award-winning heart care at Wellstar
.
Keep reading
Published on: July 2025
XanderCare
Xander Garanzuay, a long-distance runner, never imagined his high school track meet would end with him being airlifted to the hospital. But when a discus struck him in the head, he suffered a depressed skull fracture and needed emergency surgery.
Thanks to the quick action and collaboration of
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center's
trauma and neurosurgery teams, Xander is now back to running. His story highlights the resilience of the human body, the strength of family and the impact of expert care.
A sudden accident
After finishing the 2-mile race at a track meet in Cartersville, Xander stayed to support his Woodstock High School teammates. When he was ready to go home, he texted his parents.
A few moments later, everything changed. While tossing a ball with his friend, Xander ran to retrieve it—just as a discus struck him in the head.
The discus hit Xander on the left side of his head with such force that he fell unconscious. Xander began seizing—his condition was critical. While his friend raced to notify their coaches, Kelly, Xander’s mom, had arrived to pick him up.
“I’m sitting out front texting Xander, ‘I’m here,’ when emergency vehicles start pulling up,” Kelly said. “Then my husband called—‘Xander’s been hit.’”
Kelly stayed with Xander as EMS evaluated him. “He was awake but not coherent,” she noted. They determined he would need to be airlifted to Wellstar Kennestone, a
Level I Trauma Center.
Life-saving surgery
Xander was swiftly transported to Wellstar Kennestone, where the trauma team was ready to act. Upon arrival, Wellstar Neurosurgeon
Dr. Phillip Parry
assessed the severity of Xander’s injury: a depressed skull fracture causing seizures.
“The discus is a large weight—picture a five-pound Frisbee—that is flung through the air,” said Dr. Parry. “Thankfully, Xander’s skull protected his brain, but he essentially sustained a ballistic injury to the skull.”
The impact to the left side of Xander’s skull left him with a fixed-focus neurologic deficit. His right arm—his dominant arm—had no muscle strength, and his right leg was weak.
Dr. Parry performed an emergency craniotomy to remove the bone pressing on Xander’s brain. The surgery was successful, but the road ahead was uncertain.
“The biggest challenge wasn’t the surgery itself—this is something we do every day,” he said. “It was telling a 16-year-old and his mother that we didn’t know whether he would regain function in his dominant arm.”
Kelly had to trust in the care Xander was receiving. “You don’t know what you’re going to do in that situation. Nothing prepares you,” she said. “I had to have faith that he was in the right hands—and he truly was.”
Steady progress
The day after Xander’s surgery, Wellstar Kennestone’s physical and occupational therapy teams began working at his bedside to restore movement in his non-functioning arm and leg.
“You want to do everything you can to optimize the body’s ability to heal,” said Dr. Parry. “It was important that we provided that environment for him.”
Xander’s positive attitude and determination played a crucial role in regaining function. His dad, Xavier, was amazed by his son’s resilience.
“He was so proactive and driven to get better,” Xavier said. “It was inspiring to watch.”
Still, sometimes the reality of what happened sank in. “He woke up one night and said, ‘I could have died,’” his mom remembered. “I told him, ‘Yes, but you didn’t.’ He said, ‘God must have something really special planned for me.’”
Xander applied the same fortitude from running to each step of his healing. “Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy, but you can also be your biggest supporter,” he said. “If you don’t believe in yourself, how can anyone else believe in you?”
Care that made a difference
Xander spent six days at Wellstar Kennestone before being transferred to inpatient rehabilitation. The support from Wellstar’s care team made a lasting impact.
They were there for whatever we needed—compassionate and always listening to Xander’s needs,” Kelly said.
One night during his stay, Xander woke needing help to get to the restroom. When a nurse arrived, he suddenly began seizing. “I’ve never seen eight nurses in a room so quickly,” his mom recalled. “Everyone knew exactly what to do.”
One poignant moment came when Xander’s family had the discus—now a symbol of victory over his injury—signed by his care team.
“It’s rewarding as a physician to know that I played a small part in restoring his ability to use his arm again,” Dr. Parry reflected. “As a parent, I know the anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of neurologic recovery. To see Xander move his arms and legs again, as if nothing happened, is a relief that’s indescribable.”
The power of community
Xander’s recovery was supported not only by his family and Wellstar care team, but also by his school and community. After the accident, his track team dedicated the next meet to him, with “Run for Xander” wristbands and signs. A teammate also started a GoFundMe campaign, which raised nearly $13,000 to help with the family’s medical expenses.
“People from all over came together for Xander,” Xavier said. “Posts on his team’s Facebook page were shared with running clubs from Canada to Miami. We were blown away.”
Xander was especially touched by the support. “This whole experience showed me how much my family loves me,” he said. “Seeing my friends, teachers and even family from Texas come to help—it meant so much.”
A bright future
After two and a half weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, Xander transitioned to outpatient rehab and continued regular follow-ups with Dr. Parry at the
Wellstar Neurosurgery clinic.
“At each phase, he received the best possible care,” explained Dr. Parry. “That’s why he had such a great outcome.”
Today, Xander is almost fully recovered and back doing what he loves most—running. “Physically and mentally, he’s doing phenomenal,” Kelly said. “He has his own training program. I am so proud of him.”
Xander’s progress wouldn’t have been possible without the trauma care network that supported him every step of the way. “The benefit of the trauma network can’t be overstated,” Dr. Parry said. “It ensures people get the best possible outcome even on their worst day.”
With expert care and determination, Xander is ready for whatever comes next.
Learn more about
Trauma Services
and
Neuro Care
at Wellstar.
Keep reading
Published on: September 2025
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Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
As one of the Top 100 hospitals, Wellstar Kennestone offers the most advanced care available for all your surgical, medical, rehabilitative and emergency care needs. In addition to a highly qualified team of physicians, nurses and clinical staff, we offer the very latest in technology and diagnostic imaging capabilities.
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
Info
Services
Awards
Events
News
Publication
Emergency care check-in
Urgent Care Check-in
Information
Address
677 Church Street NE
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone Number
(770) 793-5000
Directory
Parking Information
Campus Map
Visitor Information
Food Options
Volunteer Opportunities
PeopleCare Advisory Program (PCAP)
Accreditations & Recognition
Nursing
(770) 793-5169
Monday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
(770) 793-5328
Monday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
(770) 793-5082
Monday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(770) 793-5171
Monday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
(770) 793-9300
Monday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Saturday:
10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Sunday:
11:00 AM-5:00 PM
(770) 793-5005
Monday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Gift Shop
Blue Tower, visitor lobby
(770) 793-5169
Open
▼
Monday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Medical Records
(770) 793-5328
Open
▼
Monday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Patient Billing
(770) 793-5082
Open
▼
Monday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Patient Experience
Purple Tower, Main Level
(770) 793-5171
Open
▼
Monday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Pharmacy
Blue Tower #8
(770) 793-9300
Open
▼
Monday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Saturday:
10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Sunday:
11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Spiritual Health
(770) 793-5005
Open
▼
Monday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Parking Information
PARKING UPDATE
— We are pleased to share that the Blue Parking Deck has reopened as our primary patient/visitor paid parking deck. The Cancer Center Parking Deck is also open as a paid patient/visitor parking deck. Golf carts with drivers remain available at the entrance of both decks to shuttle visitors and patients to the hospital entrance from 6:00am to 9:00pm daily, and personnel are present to help further direct you. Thank you for your patience as we worked through deck repairs together!
Click to download and save printable PDF file.
Blue Parking Deck
The Blue Parking Deck is our primary patient/visitor parking deck and allows direct access to the main hospital entrance and all services. Located off Tower Road and accessible by turning onto Kennestone Hospital Boulevard.
Direct access to:
All inpatient units
All critical care units
Inpatient admissions
Outpatient registration
Labor & Delivery
Women’s Services/Imaging
Outpatient imaging and lab services
Outpatient Surgery Center
Cardiac services
GI Lab
Pulmonary services
Wound Center
Medical Records
Care Coordination & Social Services
Valet Parking
Valet parking is available at the main entrance to the hospital on Kennestone Hospital Boulevard for $6. The service is available Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm, excluding holidays. Parking passes are not accepted. Valet Parking service is also available at Whitcher Street Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm.
Green Parking Deck
Located off of Church Street by turning onto Whitcher Street. Whitcher Street Physician Center access; also allows access to Whitcher Street bridge to Main Street in the Green Tower.
Cancer Center Parking Deck
Located off of Tower Road by turning onto Kennestone Hospital Boulevard.
Cancer Center visitors—park in Blue Parking Deck and shuttle is provided to Cancer Center. (Monday - Friday: 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Health Place members—park in Employee Parking Deck, located off of North Avenue. Shuttle is provided to Health Place. (Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM)
Emergency Services Parking Lot
15-minute parking available for patient drop-off in front of Emergency Department door. For longer than 15-minutes, parking is l
ocated under Emergency Department building. Parking for patients being seen in the Emergency Department. Patient’s vehicle must be moved once the patient is released from the Emergency Department or admitted to the hospital.
Surgery Center Parking Lot
Located off of Church Street. Parking is
only
for patients scheduled for pre-op testing, general surgery and Vascular Institute procedures. Only
one
vehicle permitted per patient. Patient’s vehicle must be moved by midnight on the day of surgery.
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center Campus Map
Click to download and save printable PDF file.
Visitor Information
Visitor Check-in Information
Wellstar medical centers are a safe space. All adult visitors must check in at the desk with a photo ID and wear a visitor badge at all times.
Click here for more information.
Visitor Guidelines
Wellstar Kennestone understands that having loved ones by your side can help with your healing and care. You have the right to choose and prioritize visitors from among family, friends, partners, personal care aides or other individuals (regardless of the person’s gender or your relationship to the person). To provide a restful and safe environment, we ask that visitors follow these guidelines:
Smoking is prohibited on the campus.
Please refrain from visiting if you have a cold, sore throat, fever or other illness.
Avoid noisy, disruptive behavior to help respect the healing of all patients.
Ask before bringing foods, drinks or other items that might trigger allergies like balloons, flowers or perfume into patient rooms.
Wash your hands before entering patient rooms.
Make sure children have a supervising adult with them at all times.
Some areas may restrict children or limit the age of children allowed to visit. Please check with the nursing staff.
Dress appropriately and wear shirts and shoes.
If a family member stays overnight, he or she must be of the same sex in semi-private rooms.
After-Hours Visiting
All visitors entering Wellstar Kennestone between 9:00 PM and 5:30 AM, or planning to stay past 9:00 PM, must check in at one of the visitor management kiosks. Please bring a form of government ID. A Security Services team member will print you a FastPass® photo ID badge. A new pass is required daily for each after-hours visit.
Waiting Areas
Waiting areas for visitors are on each patient floor and on the main floor of each tower. Specific waiting areas have been designated for families of patients in the Critical Care Unit, the Emergency Department and Surgery.
Quiet Time
To provide healing and rest, Wellstar observes quiet times from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM each day. Visitors are encouraged to turn off televisions and cellphones.
Food Options
Mountainside Bistro
Location
Located in Yellow Tower on the Main Floor
Hours
Pizzeria
– Everyday - 11 AM - 7 PM
Deli + Grill
– Everyday - 7 AM - 7 PM
Global Table
– Everyday - 6 AM - 2 AM
Rotisserie
– Weekdays - 11 AM - 2 PM
Smoothie + Juice
– Everyday - 7 AM - 3 PM
Salad + Garden
- All Day Everyday
Market
- All Day Everyday
Wellbean Coffee
Location
Located in Yellow Tower
Hours
Open everyday – 6 AM - 10 PM
Kennestone Café
If you're a visitor who would like to eat in a patient's room, please purchase a guest tray from the cafeteria cashier.
Location
Lower level near Green Tower elevators.
Hours
Monday through Friday: 6:00 AM-8:00 PM and 11:30 PM-3:00 AM
Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM-7:00 PM and 11:30 PM-3:00 AM
Calm Water Café
Location
Wellstar Kennestone Cancer Center
Hours
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Become a Wellstar Volunteer
Working diligently in virtually every area of our hospital, volunteers are our extra hands and hearts! They play the harp and the piano, provide pet therapy, sing, knit, wash hair, do hand massage, encourage, care, help, smile, serve tea, hold hands, garden and push wheelchairs.
Wellstar's 1,100 volunteers work more than 200,000 hours a year, representing $3.6 million in donated time.
Wellstar volunteers also raise money—more than $773,000 each year, helping us buy needed equipment, renovate facilities and educate our patients.
Currently suspended due to COVID-19. Check back for updates.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
PeopleCare Advisory Program (PCAP)
Join our PeopleCare Advisory Program (PCAP) at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. Our PCAP is a group of patients, family members of patients and hospital leaders who are committed to finding opportunities to improve the patient and family experience here at Wellstar Kennestone.
Learn more about our PeopleCare Advisory Program at Wellstar Kennestone
Accreditations & Recognition
Trauma Care
Level I Trauma Center verification from the American College of Surgeons and designation from the Georgia Department of Public Health State Office of EMS and Trauma
Rehabilitation Care
U.S. News & World Report, Nationally Ranked in Adult Specialty, Rehabilitation 2022
Quality & Safety
U.S. News & World Report, Best Hospitals in Georgia 2020
Heart Care
Comprehensive Cardiac Center Certification by The Joint Commission
The Joint Commission's Gold Seal Certification for coronary artery bypass, heart valve repair and replacement and heart failure
Joint Commission certification for CAB and Valve Replacement and Repairs programs
Three stars (highest possible rating) in four categories evaluated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS): isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, or open-heart surgery), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, and multiprocedural cardiothoracic surgeries
Level I ECCC Emergency Cardiac Care Center Designation by Georgia Department of Public Health
Mission: Lifeline® - STEMI Receiving Center - GOLD by the American Heart Association
Mission: Lifeline® - NSTEMI - GOLD by the American Heart Association
#6 Ranking for Best Hospitals for Cardiology & Heart Surgery in Georgia by by U.S. News and World Report
Walter F. Johnson IV Chest Pain Observation Unit, low-risk chest pain patients receive rapid triage and treatment
Get With the Guidelines Heart Failure Gold Plus, Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, Target Heart Failure Honor Roll
Get With the Guidelines Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Gold with Target Type 2 Diabetes
Get With the Guidelines Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Bronze
Get With the Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Target: Stroke Elite Plus Honor Roll Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Target: Stroke Advanced Therapy Honor Roll
Recognized by the Society for Vascular Surgery Vascular Quality Initiative as a Carotid Care Quality Champion
Stroke Care
Designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission and the Georgia Department of Public Health
Target: Stroke Honor Roll - Elite Plus
Target: Stroke Honor Roll Advanced Therapy
Get With The Guidelines: Gold Plus Achievement
AMSN PRISM Award®
Cancer Care
GO2 Foundation for Lung Cancer
Care Continuum Center of Excellence
Spine Care
Certification in Spine Surgery from The Joint Commission
Surgical Care
Joint Replacement Excellence Award
Vascular Surgery Excellence Award
Life Support Care
ELSO Award for Excellence in Life Support – Gold Level
Nursing at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
At Wellstar Kennestone, it takes a village to deliver personalized care to the community. Our healthcare heroes are more than just nurses, doctors and staff helping people overcome illnesses. We are truly friends caring for friends, family caring for family and neighbors caring for neighbors.
Learn more about the nursing culture at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
Emergency care check-in
Urgent Care Check-in
Services
Service
Cancer Care
Comprehensive cancer care for the whole person.
Learn More
Service
Heart Care
Comprehensive, cardiac care you can count on.
Learn More
Service
Neuro Care
Expert care for brain and spine disease and injury, including stroke care.
Learn More
Department
Emergency Care
State-of-the-art facility delivering quality and compassionate care.
Learn More
Service
Labor & Delivery
Ensuring your birth experience is as comfortable and joyous as possible.
Learn More
Service
Child & Adolescent Care
Personalized, world-class care for children and young adults.
Learn More
Service
Pharmacy
Have your prescription filled and ready before you leave.
Learn More
Service
Bariatric Surgery
Personalized weight loss plan and support to improve your overall health.
Learn More
Ongoing Care
Cardiac Rehabilitation
A medically supervised program designed to improve quality of life.
Learn More
Service
Ear, Nose and Throat
Medical and surgical solutions for hearing, balance, snoring and sinus issues.
Learn More
Service
General Surgery
From elective to trauma, specializing in procedures with quicker recovery.
Learn More
Service
Orthopedics
No matter the injury, we’ve got everything you need to get moving again.
Learn More
Service
Robotic Surgery
Advanced technology with smaller incisions, less pain and quicker recovery.
Learn More
Service
Vascular Surgery
Providing a comprehensive plan of surgery, recovery and rehabilitation.
Learn More
Service
Women's Health
Specialty care for every stage of life.
Learn More
Service
Wound Care
Customized care for non-healing or chronic wounds.
Learn More
View All Services
Awards and Accreditations
Wellstar is frequently recognized for its commitment to providing world-class healthcare and excellent patient service
Magnet® Recognition for Nursing Excellence
The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence.
Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Earned the highest possible rating—three stars—in four categories evaluated by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS): isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, or open-heart surgery), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, and multiprocedural cardiothoracic surgeries.
Best Hospitals In Georgia
Recognized by US News & World Report for excellence in treating complex, high-risk patients with life-threatening or rare conditions.
Personalized Treatment, Exceptional Care
New, state-of-the-art emergency department delivers quality and compassionate care to every patient, every time
Impacting the Lives of Real People Every Day
Providing world-class care for the people and the communities we serve
Direct, Emergency CT Access
Our emergency department features a separate high acuity ambulance entrance with direct access to CT imaging
Upcoming Events
View All Events
For the health and safety of our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, all events and classes are limited. For a complete list,
see our event calendar
.
News
Wellstar Kennestone Expands Care with New Tower
Communities across Cobb County and Metro Atlanta are growing quickly—and so is the need for world-class healthcare.
The new Yellow Tower at
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
is helping meet that need. The nine-story, 235-bed patient tower expands hospital capacity, strengthens specialty care and enhances the patient experience through state-of-the-art technology and spaces that support healing.
Opening to patients April 15, 2026, the tower represents a $400 million investment in the future of healthcare for the region—helping ensure families across Georgia can access expert care when and where they need it.
Expanding capacity and advancing care
The approximately 300,000-square-foot tower increases acute care capacity and strengthens key service lines, including cardiology, neurology, oncology and surgery. Dedicated units for cardiac critical care, surgical care, neurological care and medical oncology allow care teams to deliver advanced treatment in environments built for each specialty.
The new tower also introduces a next-generation neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and enhanced neonatal services, expanding care for our smallest patients. A dedicated Women’s & Children’s entrance improves access and reinforces family-centered care.
"This tower is more than a new building—it reflects our commitment to providing extraordinary care for people across the Southeast,” said Ketul J. Patel, Wellstar president and CEO. “Wellstar Kennestone has become a destination hospital, with a Level I Trauma Center and nationally recognized specialty programs, including one of the best heart programs in the country. This investment allows us to serve more patients, support families during life’s most important moments, and give our teams the space and tools they need to deliver safe, high-quality care to every person, every time. When someone needs advanced care, they can find it at Wellstar.”
Technology that supports care
Every element of the Yellow Tower was designed with patients, families and care teams in mind.
All adult patient rooms are private, offering greater comfort and functionality. Natural light, sound-reducing features and adjustable lighting and privacy controls create a calm, quiet setting. Durable antimicrobial materials support infection prevention and help maintain a clean, safe space.
Throughout the new tower, smart-room technology keeps patients and care teams connected. Interactive digital whiteboards in each patient room display real-time care information, including medications, care team details and daily treatment plans.
Smart technology also supports patient safety. Remote monitoring allows trained team members to observe patients who may be at risk of falls or other complications. Virtual nursing helps coordinate admissions, discharges and documentation so bedside nurses can focus on direct patient care.
Other advanced capabilities—including AI-assisted monitoring and virtual rounding—enhance the care experience by helping identify risks earlier, improving decision-making and extending access to expert providers.
These advancements are especially impactful in high-acuity areas like neurology and neurosurgery.
“Expanding our neuro beds allows us to bring advanced technology and specialized brain and spine care directly to more patients,” said Frances Van Beek, assistant vice president of neuroscience and trauma services at Wellstar. “Because many of these services aren’t widely available, this growth helps ensure patients across Georgia can access the expert care they need.”
Specialized care for newborns and families
The Yellow Tower includes a 49-bed next-generation NICU designed to care for infants who are premature or critically ill while supporting families during a challenging time.
The new unit emphasizes natural light, quiet healing spaces and advanced monitoring technology that promotes healthy growth and development.
A centralized Milk Lab prepares fortified human milk, donor milk and prescribed formulas to meet the unique nutritional needs of infants in the NICU. The unit also includes six couplet care rooms, allowing mothers and babies receiving specialized care to remain together—encouraging bonding during treatment.
This focus on family-centered care reflects Wellstar’s commitment to supporting people at every stage of life—ensuring families have access to compassionate, specialized care when they need it most.
Hospitality-inspired dining experience
Under the patient tower, a new 22,000-square-foot kitchen powers a hospital-wide in-room dining service that blends restaurant-quality meals with clinical nutrition.
Patients can order meals when they’re ready to eat during service hours, with breakfast favorites available throughout the day. This model gives people greater choice and flexibility during their stay.
“We designed this program to give patients more control over their dining experience—so they can order what they want, when they want it,” said Ben Behimer, director of nutrition and food services at Wellstar Kennestone. “Our goal is to create a more personalized, restaurant-style experience that reflects the same level of quality and care patients expect across our hospital.”
Visitors and team members can also enjoy retail dining, including Mountainside Bistro—which features seven food concepts—and Wellbean Coffee, along with expanded indoor and outdoor seating.
The new kitchen and dining areas are over 50% larger than the previous space and feature dual production lines, allowing teams to prepare fresh meals efficiently for everyone they serve.
Rapid access when minutes matter
Wellstar Kennestone plays a critical role in caring for patients with serious injuries and complex conditions across Georgia. The hospital is verified as a Level I Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons and designated by the Georgia Department of Public Health—the highest level of trauma care available.
The new tower strengthens that capability. Expanded helipads and integrated flight paths connect the hospital directly with the Wellstar AirCare network, helping ensure patients can reach advanced care quickly.
Dual heavy-lift helipads support high-volume air medical operations, while overlook spaces within the tower provide views of the surrounding campus.
Wellstar AirCare operates a 24/7 air ambulance service with helicopters based in Augusta and south of Metro Atlanta. Care teams provide lifesaving care during transport, including whole blood transfusions for severe blood loss and support for patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Built for the future of care
The Yellow Tower was designed to adapt to evolving healthcare needs. Entire floors can be converted to negative pressure environments, allowing the hospital to respond quickly during infectious disease outbreaks or other public health emergencies.
The new tower also enhances Wellstar Kennestone’s ability to provide exceptional care every day—from welcoming babies to supporting people through cancer treatment and recovery. It ensures the hospital can continue caring for the community with the level of excellence people expect while preparing for what’s ahead.
Learn more at
wellstar.org/kennestone.
Keep Reading
Publications & Articles
Top Marks for Heart Care at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
has received several major commendations highlighting the high level of heart care continuously provided to patients—putting Wellstar’s cardiothoracic surgery program among the top in the nation. The Marietta-based
heart care
program received:
The coveted three-star rating in the following key areas from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS): isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, or open-heart surgery), aortic valve replacement (AVR), AVR + CABG, and multiprocedural cardiothoracic surgeries. This is the highest category of quality, placing Wellstar Kennestone among the best programs for heart surgery in the U.S. and Canada.
The prestigious Comprehensive Cardiac Care Certification—the highest distinction awarded by The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association. Wellstar Kennestone was the first in Georgia to receive this certification.
These recognitions demonstrate Wellstar’s commitment to keeping advanced heart care close to home.
“These accomplishments speak volumes about the skill, precision and teamwork of our cardiothoracic team,” said
Dr. Richard Myung
, medical director of cardiothoracic surgery at Wellstar Kennestone. “We’re proud to deliver exceptional outcomes for patients from across the Southeast who have some of the most complex heart conditions.”
Three-star STS rating
STS ratings reflect not only surgical excellence, but also the quality of care patients receive in the critical 30-day period following surgery.
These results highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach—one that includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, nurses, cardiologists, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation specialists, critical care specialists, hospitalists, advanced practice providers and many others.
“This achievement is a testament to the entire care continuum,” said Steve Cermak, executive director of cardiovascular service line and hospital operations at Wellstar Kennestone. “From the operating room to recovery and rehabilitation, every team member plays a vital role in delivering outstanding outcomes.”
Among the three-star rankings is CABG. This procedure is commonly performed to treat people having a heart attack or other conditions including coronary heart disease with chest pain, multiple blocked coronary arteries or serious heart failure. The procedure is performed by cardiovascular surgeons at Wellstar Kennestone—
Dr. Theresa Luu
,
Dr. James Burke
and
Dr. Richard Myung
—who work as part of a large multidisciplinary team to give every patient the highest quality care at every step of the process, from diagnosis through surgery and recovery.
“This amazing recognition is about the great lengths we go to care for our patients, and why people travel from across the region to receive their care at Wellstar Kennestone,” added Director of Wellstar Cardiothoracic Surgery Services and the Structural Heart and Valve Program Karrie Davis. “We care for every patient like they’re a family member or close friend. That’s why we hold ourselves to the highest standards.”
Wellstar Center for Cardiovascular Care
offers patients care close to home across Georgia communities at more than 25 cardiovascular locations, with more than 110 cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons standing ready to provide heart care for both routine and complex heart conditions. Wellstar also has one of the largest
cardiovascular rehabilitation
programs in Georgia, which helps patients improve their long-term outcomes.
Certification by The Joint Commission
The Joint Commission has also awarded Wellstar Kennestone with a Gold Seal of Approval in conjunction with the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark and certification as a Comprehensive Cardiac Center for the third consecutive time.
For the certification, Wellstar Kennestone underwent a rigorous, unannounced onsite review. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards including evaluating the care of the cardiac patient at every touch point in the cardiac care continuum with ongoing process improvement and health promotion for patients, as well as the community. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.
The hospital first received the two-year certification in 2019. This recertification makes the third cycle—or sixth year—it has remained in place. Wellstar Kennestone was the first hospital in Georgia and remains the only one in the state to hold the comprehensive certification.
From prevention to post-cardiac event recovery, our well-connected and collaborative heart care team is dedicated to empowering you to regain your strength and independence. We offer top-quality cardiovascular care including diagnostics, treatment, psychological support and ongoing monitoring all focused on your well-being.
Learn more about award-winning heart care at Wellstar
.
Keep reading
Published on: July 2025
XanderCare
Xander Garanzuay, a long-distance runner, never imagined his high school track meet would end with him being airlifted to the hospital. But when a discus struck him in the head, he suffered a depressed skull fracture and needed emergency surgery.
Thanks to the quick action and collaboration of
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center's
trauma and neurosurgery teams, Xander is now back to running. His story highlights the resilience of the human body, the strength of family and the impact of expert care.
A sudden accident
After finishing the 2-mile race at a track meet in Cartersville, Xander stayed to support his Woodstock High School teammates. When he was ready to go home, he texted his parents.
A few moments later, everything changed. While tossing a ball with his friend, Xander ran to retrieve it—just as a discus struck him in the head.
The discus hit Xander on the left side of his head with such force that he fell unconscious. Xander began seizing—his condition was critical. While his friend raced to notify their coaches, Kelly, Xander’s mom, had arrived to pick him up.
“I’m sitting out front texting Xander, ‘I’m here,’ when emergency vehicles start pulling up,” Kelly said. “Then my husband called—‘Xander’s been hit.’”
Kelly stayed with Xander as EMS evaluated him. “He was awake but not coherent,” she noted. They determined he would need to be airlifted to Wellstar Kennestone, a
Level I Trauma Center.
Life-saving surgery
Xander was swiftly transported to Wellstar Kennestone, where the trauma team was ready to act. Upon arrival, Wellstar Neurosurgeon
Dr. Phillip Parry
assessed the severity of Xander’s injury: a depressed skull fracture causing seizures.
“The discus is a large weight—picture a five-pound Frisbee—that is flung through the air,” said Dr. Parry. “Thankfully, Xander’s skull protected his brain, but he essentially sustained a ballistic injury to the skull.”
The impact to the left side of Xander’s skull left him with a fixed-focus neurologic deficit. His right arm—his dominant arm—had no muscle strength, and his right leg was weak.
Dr. Parry performed an emergency craniotomy to remove the bone pressing on Xander’s brain. The surgery was successful, but the road ahead was uncertain.
“The biggest challenge wasn’t the surgery itself—this is something we do every day,” he said. “It was telling a 16-year-old and his mother that we didn’t know whether he would regain function in his dominant arm.”
Kelly had to trust in the care Xander was receiving. “You don’t know what you’re going to do in that situation. Nothing prepares you,” she said. “I had to have faith that he was in the right hands—and he truly was.”
Steady progress
The day after Xander’s surgery, Wellstar Kennestone’s physical and occupational therapy teams began working at his bedside to restore movement in his non-functioning arm and leg.
“You want to do everything you can to optimize the body’s ability to heal,” said Dr. Parry. “It was important that we provided that environment for him.”
Xander’s positive attitude and determination played a crucial role in regaining function. His dad, Xavier, was amazed by his son’s resilience.
“He was so proactive and driven to get better,” Xavier said. “It was inspiring to watch.”
Still, sometimes the reality of what happened sank in. “He woke up one night and said, ‘I could have died,’” his mom remembered. “I told him, ‘Yes, but you didn’t.’ He said, ‘God must have something really special planned for me.’”
Xander applied the same fortitude from running to each step of his healing. “Sometimes you can be your own worst enemy, but you can also be your biggest supporter,” he said. “If you don’t believe in yourself, how can anyone else believe in you?”
Care that made a difference
Xander spent six days at Wellstar Kennestone before being transferred to inpatient rehabilitation. The support from Wellstar’s care team made a lasting impact.
They were there for whatever we needed—compassionate and always listening to Xander’s needs,” Kelly said.
One night during his stay, Xander woke needing help to get to the restroom. When a nurse arrived, he suddenly began seizing. “I’ve never seen eight nurses in a room so quickly,” his mom recalled. “Everyone knew exactly what to do.”
One poignant moment came when Xander’s family had the discus—now a symbol of victory over his injury—signed by his care team.
“It’s rewarding as a physician to know that I played a small part in restoring his ability to use his arm again,” Dr. Parry reflected. “As a parent, I know the anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of neurologic recovery. To see Xander move his arms and legs again, as if nothing happened, is a relief that’s indescribable.”
The power of community
Xander’s recovery was supported not only by his family and Wellstar care team, but also by his school and community. After the accident, his track team dedicated the next meet to him, with “Run for Xander” wristbands and signs. A teammate also started a GoFundMe campaign, which raised nearly $13,000 to help with the family’s medical expenses.
“People from all over came together for Xander,” Xavier said. “Posts on his team’s Facebook page were shared with running clubs from Canada to Miami. We were blown away.”
Xander was especially touched by the support. “This whole experience showed me how much my family loves me,” he said. “Seeing my friends, teachers and even family from Texas come to help—it meant so much.”
A bright future
After two and a half weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, Xander transitioned to outpatient rehab and continued regular follow-ups with Dr. Parry at the
Wellstar Neurosurgery clinic.
“At each phase, he received the best possible care,” explained Dr. Parry. “That’s why he had such a great outcome.”
Today, Xander is almost fully recovered and back doing what he loves most—running. “Physically and mentally, he’s doing phenomenal,” Kelly said. “He has his own training program. I am so proud of him.”
Xander’s progress wouldn’t have been possible without the trauma care network that supported him every step of the way. “The benefit of the trauma network can’t be overstated,” Dr. Parry said. “It ensures people get the best possible outcome even on their worst day.”
With expert care and determination, Xander is ready for whatever comes next.
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Published on: September 2025
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