Judge rules in favor of Phoebe's appeal - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Judge rules in favor of Phoebe's appeal

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By Cade Fowler - bio | email

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By Cade Fowler - bio | email

ALBANY, GA (WALB) – Another blow to Palmyra Medical Centers' attempt to deliver babies in Albany.

Tuesday afternoon, Dougherty Superior Court Judge Stephen Goss overturned the Department of Community Health's decision to grant a certificate of need to Palmyra.

The DCH granted Palmyra the certificate of need last year, and competing hospital Phoebe Putney immediately appealed it.

When Phoebe lost the appeal they took it to court and now two Superior Court Judges, George Peagler in Americus and Steve Goss in Albany, have ruled in Phoebe's favor.

Phoebe Putney CEO Joel Wernick said there is no reason for another obstetrics unit. "The location that was being offered was really a Level 1, bare bones type of service of which the intention was really more of business, not quality patient care," he said.

Judge Peagler ruled that allowing Palmyra to deliver babies would negatively impact Phoebe Sumter's ability to recruit doctors.

Palmyra released a statement saying Palmyra has the right appeal both decisions handed down by the Superior Court:

"The people of the community should realize Phoebe Putney intends to continue to monopolize healthcare and eliminate the publics right to choice."

 

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