Task force created to anticipate Haywood County hospital closure
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BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. — Haywood County leaders are taking action about an upcoming closure that will leave the county without a hospital. Mayor Franklin Smith said the county will enter uncharted territory when the Haywood Park Hospital closes in July. Residents will have to drive at least 30 miles to get treatment. “This is the first time Haywood County will be without a hospital since 1936,” Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith said. Leaders have formed a health advisory board to answer the question, as to what’s next for residents. “The goal is to bring healthcare professionals together that can advise us of what to do,” Mayor Smith said. The board, which was selected Wednesday, is made up of local healthcare professionals. Mayor Smith said it’s no cost to tax-payers because the board members are volunteering their time and services. Some residents said it’s a step in the right direction. “I feel reasonably sure they’ll come up with some type of ideas,” Jeff Hooper, a Haywood County resident said. Mayor Smith said so far no ideas have been presented that can actually work; but the board plans to meet again soon. Brownsville resident, Senica Cephas said she’s just hoping something can be done to keep the hospital open. “More needs to be done,” Cephas said. “This isn’t something to just sit on.” Mayor Smith said he’s almost positive the hospital will close, but he’s trying to prevent the worst from happening. “I would just hate to see the back of our ambulances become the only emergency care in our community,” Smith said. The next health advisory board meeting has not been scheduled.
