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Home > Clayton.Talk > Archives > 2008 > December > 22
Monday, December 22, 2008
Save Southern Regional Hospital
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Since moving to Clayton we thankfully had little need to patronize any hospital. But when an elderly relative lived with us for a while this year, we saw firsthand how convenient and wonderful the hospital and several Southern Regional affiliated doctors we dealt with, are.
Our relative had health insurance, but the majority of their patients do not. Recently, our board of commissioners voted against bailing out the hospital, which has been a part of Clayton’s landscape since 1971. Although SRH has $48 million in reserves, they currently owe $40 million to creditors. It costs $20 million per month to run SRH. The hospital says it only needs use of the county’s bond rating, not cash, to help them get back on track. However, if they miss a payment guess who picks up that tab? And as we all know the county is currently trying to decipher its own financial problems.
From a business perspective this situation appears similar to the “Big 3” deal in that even if SRH gets what they need, there is no guarantee they will survive. Albeit surprising, Ed Bonn’s resignation was a good move if for no other reason than to reorganize and show that the hospital is serious about making any and all changes necessary to save itself.
But this also seems like a risk the county has to take so as not to lose one of Clayton’s largest employers, as well as all of the parallel businesses in that surrounding area. According to an AJC article, SRH received an extension to pay their debt and the BOC may vote on this again come January 6, 2009. Should Clayton’s taxpayers bail out Southern Regional? What is your experience(s) with the hospital?
Enjoy a blessed, safe and Merry Christmas, Clayton!
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