McNairy County hospital closes this week

McNAIRY COUNTY, Tenn. — McNairy Regional Hospital, owned by Tennova Healthcare, will shut its doors at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. County leaders have been talking since the announcement came in March about what their next steps are for their health care.

“It’s a major concern to anyone who has existing health conditions or put in an emergency situation,” McNairy County Mayor Ronnie Brooks said.

County officials say emergency services will still be available and will take those needing care to the two nearest hospitals, located in Corinth and Jackson.

“We will be coming up with a solution that will best serve the people of the county,” Mayor Brooks said.

When Tennova announced two months ago it would be shutting down its McNairy County facilities, the company stated reasons such as a decline of patients by around 500 per year and a building in need of serious repairs.

County leaders say they don’t believe transporting patients to other West Tennessee locations will last very long.

“We’ve had a lot of interest from outside health care providers who are looking at McNairy County as an asset in their portfolio,” said Eddie Crittendon with McNairy County Economic Development.

Around 125 employees will be without a job after Wednesday. County officials say Tennova has hired some of these employees at other locations and that they have hosted job fairs to try and help the medical professionals find work.