May 22, 2013
Healthcare has become a hot issue in the Western Wiregrass. The Florala Memorial Hospital administrator says a move by an out-of-town group to open a satellite clinic might cause his facility to close its doors.
Florala Memorial Hospital Administrator Blair Henson says his 23-bed facility provides top-quality care. But now, Henson believes Florala Memorial could be put out of business by a nearby hospital.
Wiregrass Medical Center in Geneva plans to build a healthcare clinic on a lot across from Florala Memorial.
In this week's local newspaper, Florala employees took out a full-page ad claiming their jobs could be lost if the clinic is built.
Wiregrass Medical Center CEO Al Allred says Florala Memorial has nothing to fear. He says a current Florala physician is already on staff and this is an improvement for his patients.
The Florala Planning Commission will meet at 6 o'clock Friday night at the town's police department to discuss zoning changes for putting in a rural health clinic.
