Carolinas HealthCare System, a 40-hospital system based in Charlotte, N.C., has changed it name to Atrium Health.
Officials said the new name reflects the system's evolution from a single hospital to a health system with a strong regional footprint.
"It's quite remarkable to think back to our humble beginnings in 1940, when a group of ambitious, young clinicians answered the call to serve everyone and opened our doors as Charlotte Memorial Hospital," said Atrium Health President and CEO Gene Woods. "Now, nearly 80 years later, our doors remain open, and we've helped our community thrive. As we have maintained our mission to serve all, we have also evolved. Our new name reflects our organization today and where we are going in the future to make a greater impact for the people we will serve."
The health system evaluated more than 100 names and conducted consumer research on a few of them before making a decision. The system said Atrium was selected because of its meaning: a place filled with light; the chamber of the heart where every heartbeat begins; and a gathering ground where diverse thinkers come together and connections are made.
Although the system is changing its name, the organization will keep elements associated with the Carolinas HealthCare System brand, including an updated "Tree of Life" icon.
"Our Tree of Life is strong and our mission to provide care for all will not change," Mr. Woods said. "Atrium Health will allow the organization to grow and impact as many lives as possible and deliver solutions that will help even more communities thrive."
The system said full implementation of the new name would take about two years, and changes to signage at hospitals and other care locations will begin at the end of 2018. Advertisements will immediately begin to carry the new name.
The name change comes as Atrium Health is pursuing a merger with Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health Care. The two systems signed a letter of intent to merge in August 2017. The combined entity would control more than 50 hospitals.
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