Opelika, Ala.-based East Alabama Health will assume operations and management of Bullock County Rural Emergency Hospital in Union Springs, Ala., effective June 1.
The move comes after the rural emergency hospital’s previous operator notified local leaders it would depart, prompting efforts to maintain uninterrupted access to emergency and outpatient services for the community, according to a June 1 news release.
East Alabama Health stepped in at the request of the Bullock County Health Care Authority to provide operational stability and continuity of care.
“Access to timely, high-quality healthcare is vital for every community, particularly in rural areas,” Laura Grill, president and CEO of East Alabama Health, said. “We are honored to partner with the Bullock County Health Care Authority to support their steadfast commitment to the citizens of Bullock County.”
Joseph Marchant, East Alabama Health’s chief integration and network development officer, said the health system will focus on stabilizing operations, strengthening access to care and building a sustainable model for the facility.
East Alabama Health operates East Alabama Medical Center, a 316-bed hospital in Opelika, as well as EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, Ala., and other clinics and care sites across an 11-county region.
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