JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (WBRC) – Plans are in the works for a new emergency healthcare option in east Alabama.
The city of Jacksonville is partnering with Anniston Regional Medical Center (RMC) and Jacksonville State University to establish a Free-Standing Emergency Room right on campus. City leaders say they’re only discussing options right now.
Ben Nunnally with the city of Jacksonville says this project is long overdue, and the people of Jacksonville deserve this type of medical care.
Under the plan, which has not been voted on, JSU would provide the land to contractor Development Solutions who would build the facility and lease the building to RMC. Nunnally says the city will also be involved.
“We are open to spending up to $1.2 million on medical equipment that would be used in that facility. In the event that it were to fold, change hands whatever that might be… the medical equipment would stay with the building,” said Nunnally.
Another option would be a proposal from Riverview Medical Center in Gadsden, where the city of Jacksonville could save the $1.2 million dollars.
“They would build a facility if we provided land for it so it would be a completely different outcome than working with RMC. So, we’re willing to hear out anybody who has a good idea and the ability to bring that to the city,” said Nunnally.
With no emergency room and the need for one, Nunnally says having that type of facility could possibly help save someone’s life.
“What this does is allows us to take care of residents and people who are visiting within moments. Anniston is only a couple of miles down the road, but a couple of miles feels a lot longer when you’re in the back of an ambulance,” said Nunnally.
Nunnally says the city is committed to getting this project done but right now there’s no word when it could be finalized and voted on.
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