CLANTON, AL (WBRC) -
Right now, it is a long ride for people in Chilton County needing emergency medical care but that could soon change. The Chilton County Commission is coming to the rescue of the county's only hospital that shut down last month.
"It was packed, it was packed," Anne Taddicken said.
She joined several others at the Chilton County Courthouse as commissioners voted on whether or not they would help reopen the hospital.
"The hospital board had asked for some support on funding for the hospital," commission chairperson, Allen Caton, said.
Within moments of the meeting starting, commissioners unanimously agreed to give the board about $960,000.
"We've been waiting for three to four weeks and we've been on pins and needles. We want our jobs back and we want our hospital back," Taddicken said.
She was happy to hear the news Monday night and says things have been tough for many people since the state shut the hospital down because of financial issues.
"Our community has been in desperate need and we are tired of waiting," Taddicken said.
Now they can get back to work but for how long is still unclear. Caton says the health care board is only planning to reopen for a trial period.
"They've been working with the previous owners of the hospital working something out to purchase the hospital to be able to operate it for short period of time to see if it is feasible to keep it open," Caton said.
Although the long-term future of the hospital remains unknown, many people at the meeting were just glad for this bit of good news in what has been a difficult situation.
"I think that's wonderful we have so many industries and the schools and so many people in this county that need that hospital," Tammy Dalrymple said.
The hospital's CEO, Ted Chapin, was at the meeting Monday. He says a reopen date for the hospital has not been set.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
The Chilton Medical Center. Source: WBRC file video
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTVM, a Raycom Media Station.
