Haywood County Hospital Closing Could Increase Taxes
This video is no longer available.
BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. — Jimmy Studdard, the Director of Brownsville-Haywood County Ambulance Authority said he’s concerned that residents’ health will suffer after Haywood Park Hospital closes in July, but it’s not his only worry. “We are funded by taxpayers,” Studdard said. He said the Emergency Medical Services will be forced to hire more employees and buy more ambulances to make up for the lack of services. They currently operate on a $1.4 million budget. “Maintenance will go up because trucks will be on the road more,” Studdard said, adding that driving at least 30 miles to the nearest hospital will cost the county and patients more money. EMS officials say patients are charged $10 per mile to ride in an ambulance, and they said driving a longer distance to Jackson or Memphis could cost patients an extra $300 or $400. “These people who live here, check to check, it will hurt them,” Glen Claburne, a Haywood County resident said. “A lot of people just can’t drive to Jackson or Memphis and rely on the ambulance services.” Studdard said he and other county officials plan to meet on Monday in hopes of coming up with an idea on how the Ambulance Authority can make ends meet.
