One possible explanation: WakeMed officials say the proposed deal with Atrium is a merger, not a sale. That flexibility allows WakeMed leadership more of a say in the transition, even if Atrium will ultimately gain control of the Raleigh hospital system. Outside the UNC Health Hospital in Chapel Hill, which recently made an offer to WakeMed. Lawmakers passed a bill the next month, giving the UNC Board of Governors more oversight over the UNC health system, which WakeMed officials complained had gone rogue. Alan Wolf, a spokesperson for UNC Health, said WakeMed has assured them the relationship is important.