Wellstar Health System’s decision to shut down Atlanta Medical Center (AMC) in Old Fourth Ward fueled outrage, and health advocates and city officials continue to push for a new hospital there.
WABE health reporter Jess Mador joined “All Things Considered” to catch listeners up on what’s happened in the year since it closed.
AMC was one of the city’s two level 1 trauma centers, along with Grady Memorial Hospital. As hospital officials predicted last year, the shutdown has fueled increased patient volumes at Grady and other metro-area hospitals.
Mador said Wellstar Health System initially blamed a drop in revenue for its decision to close Atlanta Medical Center last November.
Today, the 25-acre site remains vacant and under a redevelopment moratorium as officials pursue potential options for new healthcare services there. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens wants to extend it again until at least next spring. The extension is expected to come up for a vote at a City Council meeting next week.
