Hartselle Medical Center

January 23, 2012

Dear Senior Connection Member:

As you know by now, Hartselle Medical Center will be closing on Tuesday, January 31.

Obviously, this was an incredibly tough decision. HMC has provided compassionate care to this community for 60 years. Please know that, before reaching this decision, we tried a number of things to preserve the hospital, including sharing certain services with our sister facility Parkway Medical Center. Additionally, we met with a number of possible partners, and continue to do so as we explore options.

Despite our best efforts over the past several years, the hospital has continued to struggle as the challenges of healthcare reform, a weak economy and the toughest reimbursement climate in the nation here in Alabama continue to persist.  In fact, hospitals in Morgan County – along with other rural hospitals in Alabama – are paid the lowest in the nation to treat Medicare patients. Payment from commercial insurance providers is also the lowest in the nation.  And according to our state health plan, Morgan County has 300 too many hospital beds.  These issues – paired with the fact that a majority of patients continued to leave this community for Cullman, Huntsville and Decatur – created a situation that had to be addressed.  It’s because of these insurmountable dynamics that the extremely difficult decision was made to conclude hospital operations at Hartselle Medical Center.

Over the next few weeks, Capella Healthcare – our parent company – will continue to explore options and opportunities for the future best use of the Hartselle campus, which may possibly include healthcare services. And we hope that there may be good news to share very soon.

As a member of HMC’s Senior Connections Program, we know that having access to local activities and events is important to you, and we are continuing to seek the best way to make that happen.  In fact, Parkway Medical Center – now owned by Huntsville Hospital – has agreed to facilitate a seamless transfer of all interested members into their seniors program, which includes similar benefits (see back page).  They have also indicated an interest in exploring how to continue offering some local activities and programs in the Hartselle area as well.  We will send you additional information as soon as it becomes available, hopefully within the next two weeks.

We cannot thank you enough for the many years you’ve spent with us and your dedication to this hospital. We are very grateful to all of the employees, physicians, volunteers and community members, including you, who have supported Hartselle Medical Center for so many years.

 

Sincerely,

Tim McGill                                                   Kathy Goodwin
Chief Executive Officer                                  Director of Marketing & Community Events

MatureLife Program

Our mission is to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for seniors by providing programs that encourage continued learning, wellness, health and volunteering, coupled with a host of social activities.

Membership with the MatureLife Program provides access to valuable discounts, benefits and services to meet the preferences and needs of members, a variety of events as well as exciting new friendships all for just $15.00 per year. For more information call 256.301.3324.

Membership Includes:

• 25% Discount off meals in the hospital cafeteria
• Discounts at numerous local vendors
• Travel– Day and Overnight Trips
• Exercise– Stretch & Flex 4 times a week- $10.00 per month
• Free Water Exercise
• Free Line Dancing
• Monthly Activities– Bingo, Breakfast Club and more
• Free Health Screening
• Free Educational Seminars
• Free Flu Shot
• Complimentary room upgrade upon availability
• Complimentary meal plan for spouse or caregiver while member is hospitalized
• Subscription to quarterly chapter newsletter
• And MUCH MORE!!!