The recent closure of Atlanta Medical Center by Wellstar has raised concerns among doctors and residents. Ashley Grady, a hairstylist from East Point, a predominantly Black community, shared her experience after the closure. When she sprained her left foot and went to Grady Memorial for treatment, another patient informed her about waiting for 28 hours. Frustrated, Grady drove 22 miles north to Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center in Marietta, a richer and whiter exurb. There, she received prompt medical attention within a few hours.
While Grady acknowledges the importance of Grady Memorial in life-threatening situations, she no longer considers it for non-emergency care. However, Danielle Hackett, a spokesperson for Grady Memorial, assured that wait times have not increased since the closure of Atlanta Medical Center.
Uncertain Future for Atlanta Medical Center
The fate of the 25-acre downtown property previously occupied by Atlanta Medical Center remains uncertain. Atlanta City Council has voted three times to halt development at the site in order to preserve it for projects that benefit the community.
City Council member Marci Collier Overstreet emphasized the need for a departure certificate to balance the requirement for a certificate of need in the approval process for healthcare facilities in Georgia. This would prevent hospitals from easily withdrawing from communities without due consideration.
In the meantime, the closure of Atlanta Medical Center has put a strain on nearby healthcare resources, affecting access to medical care for residents.
Doors to Atlanta Medical Center are boarded up. (Image Source: Alyssa Pointer for NBC News)
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Bracey Harris reported from Jackson, Miss., and J.J. McCorvey from Atlanta.