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Politics & Government

Proposed Satellite ER Facility Denied Certificate of Need

Georgia Department of Community Health, which regulates healthcare facilities, finds Eastside Medical's proposal does not meet the criteria applicable to the issuance of Certificate of Need.

Eastside Medical's proposed free-standing ER in Loganville, which came up against some opposition by a grass-roots community effort as well as from Clearview Medical in Monroe, was denied the Certificate of Need (CON) which would allow the project to move forward.

The Georgia Department of Community Health notified Eastside of their decision in a letter dated Dec. 19 based on their evaluation dated that same day. The planned auxiliary ER would include one trauma room, two secured exam rooms, one isolation room, seven general exam rooms, and one decontamination room along with the the necessary space to support the staff and patients. Eastside cited the need to "improve access" to emergency health services for the Loganville area. 

The evaluation found that the project failed to meet the criteria that would provide area residents with services they do not currently have with existing facilities at Eastside Medical in Snellville and Clearview Medical in Monroe. 

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In the application for the CON, it was stated that "... Eastside's decision to locate the free standing emergency department in Loganville was protective in nature, designed to improve local access to a vital community service while securing its position as the hospital of choice in a key geographic area and protect its market share." The board found this statement appeared to "address a business goal, rather than a patient or commmunity need for services," and felt that the project would not have a "positive impact on the health care delivery system in the service area."

Drew Tyrer, Associate Chief Operating Officer for Eastside Medical Center expressed his disappointment with the decision. "We appreciate all of the valuable support that we garnered from many Loganville residents over the past few months as we shared our plans with the community. Without a doubt, we will remain committed to the Loganville community as we continue providing a wealth of healthcare services to the residents."

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Eastside Medical plans to "stay the course" and will be evaluating their options. They have a 30 day window in which to file an appeal. 

 

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