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ALBANY, GA -- From a press release by Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital:

The Hospital Authority of Albany and Dougherty County and Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) have signed final agreements to purchase Dec. 15. The Authority purchased the hospital and its local assets.

“The purchase of Palmyra will further broaden our ability to offer high quality, affordable and accessible health care in Southwest Georgia,” said Joel Wernick, President/CEO of Phoebe Putney Health System.

“This is a pivotal time in the life of Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, which is celebrating 100 years of providing quality healthcare in this region,” Wernick said. “With this unification, we can move forward, building on that foundation over the next 100 years.”

 Phoebe officials will continue to evaluate future uses for the newly acquired hospital as they begin consolidation of services at the two hospital campuses. Wernick said that the highest and best use of the Phoebe North campus will be one that provides high, quality clinical care, promotes low healthcare costs and provides services that will attract patients to this growing healthcare destination.

Phoebe’s newest employees will be welcomed with a series of activities, including a HealthWorks open house for Phoebe North campus employees and their spouses to tour Phoebe’s employee fitness center.

Tom Sullivan will serve as chief transition officer and Maureen Jackson will serve as chief nursing officer and chief operating officer.

“I think the citizens of this region have come to see Phoebe as a growth organization, important to economic development and for providing quality of care,” Wernick said. “When we merge with Palmyra, that same quality of care will result.”