At a long public comment session, dozens of Wake County residents, clinicians and advocates urged commissioners to vote no on the proposed Atrium-WakeMed combination, warning of higher prices, staffing cuts, and the loss of local accountability; speakers asked for enforceable, specific protections.

Dozens of residents, clinicians and hospital staff testified for and against a proposed strategic combination between WakeMed and Atrium Health, disputing whether Atrium will supply the touted $2 billion investment and warning of possible price increases and loss of local control.

County legal staff outlined the 1997 transfer agreement and current statutory requirements, noting county appointment rights, reversionary interests on two parcels, a 4.8% indigent-care contractual obligation and how proposed amendments would recast WakeMed's articles to make Atrium Health the sole member.

Dozens of residents, clinicians and community leaders testified for and against the WakeMed-Atrium consolidation during a multi-hour public hearing; opponents warned of higher prices and loss of local control while supporters cited investments, expanded services and community partnerships.