Emergency Department Open Until 5 p.m. January 31
January 20, 2012
Even though the hospital is no longer admitting patients, Hartselle Medical Center’s Emergency Department will remain open through Tuesday, January 31, according to CEO Tim McGill.
“As we’ve worked with the various regulatory agencies in planning the closure of the hospital, we’ve evaluated a number of options. Our goal is to insure an orderly transition of services as we continue to provide the highest quality of care to patients coming to us during these next two weeks.
“In preparation for the closing of the hospital on Tuesday, January 31, we received approval from the Alabama Department of Public Health to cease admitting new patients as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18th. While we evaluated a number of options, including closing the Emergency Department (ED) at this same time, that is not our current plan. We plan to continue seeing patients in the ED until 5 p.m. on Wednesday the 31st.”
To insure an orderly transition of services:
- The hospital will stop admitting patients as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday the 18th
- While the Emergency Department will remain open through the Wednesday the 31st, patients who come to the ED after 5 p.m. on the 18th who may require hospital admission will require transfer to another facility following assessment and stabilization.
- Any patients who remain hospitalized on the 31st will also require transfer.
- Patients who have questions about existing appointments scheduled at HMC should consult their doctor or call the hospital’s main line: 256-751-3000.
“We are placing prominent signage throughout the campus within the next week as well as notifying ambulance services and other providers about our plans.”
Copies of Medical Records Available
For the time being, and until further notice, anyone wanting a copy of their medical record should come to the hospital between the hours of 9am and 4pm or call the main number at 256-751-3000 to make arrangements.