A group of bi-partisan leaders in metro Atlanta gathered to discuss how to best meet the medical care needs of the community after Atlanta Medical Center closes.
Dekalb Chief Executive Michael Thurmond, Fulton County Commission Chair Rob Pitts, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Gov. Brian Kemp met Monday, officials confirmed to Channel 2 Action News.
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“We continue to be in active discussions with all the relevant stakeholders on how best to meet the needs of the community after AMC’s closure,” a spokesperson said.
Atlanta Medical Center officials announced that the hospital, which is one of just two metro Atlanta hospitals graded as a Level 1 trauma center, will close on Nov. 1.
The news came as metro Atlanta’s other Level 1 trauma center, Grady Memorial Hospital, is facing unprecedented overcrowding in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Officials with Grady said they have been talking to elected officials about the funds that will be necessary to support Grady’s infrastructure needs and operations when AMC closes.
“We will announce specific dollar amounts and funding sources on Thursday after they have been finalized,” a spokesperson confirmed.
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, officials are discussing a one-time aid package of nearly $200 million for Grady Health System. The aid package would be made up of federal relief dollars and private philanthropies.
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Atlanta Medical Center cited their impending closure on more than $350 million in losses over the last six years. Officials add that in just the last 12 months, the hospital has lost more than $107 million.
They credit the pandemic, rising inflation and “intense financial headwinds” for making the issues at the hospital more difficult to fix.
The health system says that they have approached government agencies, healthcare providers and other local organizations in an effort to find a solution to the issues.
“We realize this news impacts the lives of our team members and the patients we serve in very personal and significant ways,” Wellstar CEO Candice L. Saunders said. “We are deeply grateful to the dedicated team at AMC who have long served our communities with compassion and excellence.”
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