Atlanta Medical Center Closes Emergency Department Prior to Hospital Closure in November

Wellstar Health System plans to cease operations at the Atlanta Medical Center (AMC) on Nov. 1, 2022. 

“Wellstar Health System’s top priority is focused on patient safety as it reduces inpatient volumes ahead of the hospital closure, as well as working with our physicians and community partners to ensure patients and communities have a clear path identified on where they can continue to access and receive care,” according to the company. “Safely winding down services at the AMC emergency department (ED) is a critical part of this effort, as it helps reduce inpatient volume at the hospital and minimizes the number of patients who may need to transfer out of AMC on Nov. 1.” 

The AMC ED will close on Friday, October 14 at 7 a.m. 

The hospital is communicating with the Georgia Department of Community Health, local emergency services partners and Emergency Departments, government officials and other community partners to ensure the transition of care. This includes active case management services for visitors to the AMC ED and outreach to patients and community organizations to notify them about the ED closure and alternative local options for their care. 

Wellstar has operated AMC since 2016, investing more than $350 million in capital improvements and to support sustained operating losses. That includes $107 million in losses in the last 12 months. 

“For several years, Wellstar has continued to invest in and operate AMC with significant losses to provide more time to partner on a creative, long-term, sustainable solution for the hospital’s future,” says Wellstar CEO Candice L. Saunders. “After an exhaustive search for a solution that would support the healthcare needs of the community, we are disappointed that a sustainable solution at AMC has not emerged.”