PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
September 14, 2009
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
natalie.strong@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028
ATLANTA (September 14, 2009) – Today Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth) joined with other members of the Gwinnett County Legislative Delegation in supporting Gwinnett Medical Center’s application for a certificate of need to offer open heart surgery. Gwinnett’s application is opposed by Emory University Hospital.
“Gwinnett is the largest county in America that is not able to offer its residents a full range of cardiac services,” said Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth). “We do not understand why Emory — an ostensibly charitable institution — is attempting to block the provision of these life saving services in our community.”
The application has been approved by the Georgia Department of Community Health, but was challenged in a lawsuits filed by Emory. Emory contends there is no “need” for Gwinnett County to have its own open heart program because heart attack victims can easily drive to Emory University Hospital for treatment.
At a public hearing held at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville, the Delegation heard from the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, Gwinnett Medical Center, Dr. Manfred Sandler and several Gwinnett County heart patients. Emory Healthcare, which owns Emory University Hospital, was invited to participate in the hearing but refused.
“Today we heard from a true cross section of Gwinnett, but Emory sent no one. It is a long way from Decatur to Lawrenceville, especially if you are having a heart attack,” said Rep. Clay Cox (R-Lilburn), the Chairman of Gwinnett’s House Delegation.
Members of the Delegation received information about a reported violation of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTLA), in which Emory refused to provide care to a Gwinnett patient suffering a heart attack.
The Gwinnett County Legislative Delegation adopted a series of motions:
1. Declaring support for Gwinnett Medical Center’s application for a certificate of need to offer open heart services.
2. Expressing “dismay and concern” at a reported violation of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTLA), in which Emory refused to provide care to a Gwinnett patient suffering a heart attack, and demanding that Emory reconcile its refusal to provide this care with its litigation to stop Gwinnett Medical Center from doing so.
3. Urging Emory to reconsider its legal and other actions to block Gwinnett patients from receiving heart care, with copies of the resolution to be sent to the directors of Emory Healthcare, the trustees of Emory University and the bishops of the United Methodist Church, which owns Emory University.
4. Forming a committee of the Delegation to review the Certificate of Need law and consider other legislative actions that may be taken in support of Gwinnett Medical Center’s efforts.
5. Calling additional hearing at which Emory would again be invited to appear and explain its position.
Sen. David Shafer serves as Chairman of the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee. He represents the 48th Senate District which includes portions of Fulton and Gwinnett counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0048 or by e-mail at david.shafer@senate.ga.gov.