NGHS going before state Court of Appeals

GAINESVILLE - Northeast Georgia Health Systems is hoping for a favorable ruling from the Georgia Court of Appeals by November on building its new hospital in South Hall County.

CEO Jim Gardner says the Health System's initial appeal brief goes before the court this Thursday. Gardner said Barrow Superior Court Judge Robert Adamson erred in overturning the state's decision to approve the new hospital late last year.

"It's very clear that it's needed and we believe that the Court of Appeals will support the Department of Community Health's original decision," Gardner said.

The Health System contends that population growth in the Braselton area is creating the need for two hospitals in order to take care of future demands.
Barrow Regional Medical Center in Winder argued that the state abused its discretion in approving the Health System's application, challenging the new hospital construction with the claim it would have adverse impact on the Winder hospital.

Judge Adamson conducted a hearing Nov. 24 last year in Winder on Barrow Regional Medical Center's suit.