Commission to vote on new structure of Cooper Green next week | News

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC)- Supporters of Cooper Green Mercy Hospital are trying to determine their next move. Next week the Jefferson County Commission will vote on the creation of a new model to provide healthcare to indigent patients.

The plan currently is to turn the hospital into a primary care clinic. The hospital has been blasted by a Republican majority for not operating within its $43 million budget from the indigent care fund. The hospital continues to ask for up to $10 million to balance its budget.

The commission will vote on what is called the comprehensive hub and spoke model developed by former Cooper Green CEO Max Michael. That means there won't be inpatient care but the hospital will retain urgent care, diagnostic and primary care services at its main campus and around the county.

Supporters say that thsi isn't enough to provide proper healthcare to those who can't afford insurance.

"It's the right thing to do. It's stood for 40 years. What makes these commissioners think they are so smart that they can close it?" Commissioner George Bowman said.

County commissioners says the hospital won't close but it will provide even better and more comprehensive medical care. In addition to voting on the hub and spoke model, commissioners will vote on a committee to develop a plan to transfer patients who need inpatient care to other hospitals.

Supporters of Cooper Green Mercy Hospital are thinking about their next move. They held a strategy session at Agape Missionary Baptist in east Birmingham on Thursday night. They have vowed to take to the streets and continue their civil disobedience.

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