The same physician groups that provide emergency and inpatient care at Northeast Georgia Medical Center are extending their coverage to include Habersham Medical Center, forming a new affiliation for HMC with Northeast Georgia Health System.
“This is an exciting time for HMC and the communities we serve,” says Lynn Boggs, HMC’s chief executive officer. “Our new affiliation with NGHS will enable us to take our exceptional patient care to new heights. The residents of Habersham County no longer need to leave this community and go to Gainesville for emergency and inpatient services. They can receive that same great care closer to home.”
Since the Hospital Authority of Habersham County voted to approve the affiliation on February 19, both hospitals have worked together to develop a leadership structure that supports this collaborative approach to care for these services.
“This agreement helps everyone involved,” says Carol Burrell, president and CEO of NGHS. “Habersham Medical Center becomes a stronger, independent community hospital (and) NGMC will open up needed beds in Gainesville as more patients utilize available services in Habersham; and the Habersham community gets improved access to high-quality care.”
Both organizations remain independent, but they are also continuing due diligence for a letter of intent the Hospital Authority of Habersham County and the Habersham County Commission voted to approve last month. The LOI outlines a proposed five-year agreement designed to invest a total of $15 million in HMC’s capital assets to enhance healthcare services. The intent is for NGHS to acquire HMC at the end of the five -year period, assuming the agreement is finalized and specific terms are met.
