Clinch Memorial Hospital ending affiliation with South Georgia Medical Center

February 27, 2018

HOMERVILLE, Ga. (WCTV) -- Clinch Memorial Hospital announced Monday that it has decided to change its network affiliation to Coffee Regional Medical Center.

Clinch Memorial had been a network affiliate of Valdosta's South Georgia Medical Center since 2000.

The hospital says it decided to partner with CRMC to provide higher quality care and increased access for patients.

“We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Coffee Regional Medical Center,” said Angela Ammons, CEO of Clinch Memorial Hospital. “We care about the future of Clinch Memorial, Clinch County, and our patients."

"Decisions like this are never made lightly, and have been given serious consideration and thought," Ammons continued. "I’ve carefully studied the past and our options going forward. We are forming this partnership so as to better serve our community and patients.”

The two facilities will remain independent, but as a critical access hospital, Clinch Memorial is required to have a network affiliate to transfer any patients requiring care beyond its capabilities.

Coffee Regional Medical Center is a 200,000 square foot hospital with 88 inpatient beds and expanded outpatient services. Clinch Memorial has only 25 beds.

“We look forward to partnering with Clinch Memorial Hospital and improving the health of the communities served by Clinch Memorial through expedited access to CRMC facilities, physicians, and clinical specialties,” says Vicki Lewis, President and CEO of Coffee Regional Medical Center.

The two hospitals are about 36 miles apart.