Winston County’s sole hospital to close by end of year

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Lakeland Community Hospital

The sole hospital in Winston County, Ala. is scheduled to close by the year’s end.

The Lakeland Community Hospital in Haleyville announced Friday it will cease operations, leaving roughly 87 employees without jobs during the holidays.

“Our team explored every viable option to avoid closing the hospital. Unfortunately, as with many other rural healthcare facilities in the Southeast, we are unable to continue operations due to such drastic reductions in reimbursement,” said Debbie Pace, CEO of Lakeland Community Hospital. “I want to thank the Lakeland hospital staff, physicians and board for their dedication and service to the community.

Alabama 4th District U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt, who represents the county, said he was saddened by the news.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the closing of Lakeland Hospital,” said Aderholt. “As the only hospital in Winston County, its closure will be felt far outside of Haleyville. In addition to the Haleyville community, and the entire area being impacted, dozens of people will lose their jobs at what should be a joyous time of year.

Aderholt pledged to reach out to local leaders to find a solution for this rural area of Alabama.

“I am reaching out to the mayor and other local leaders to see how my office can best help find a solution to this closure,” Aderholt continued, “Obamacare continues to lead to fewer choices and fewer hospitals, particularly in rural America. This makes the fact the House passed a repeal plan this year only to see it fail in the Senate, all the more disappointing and devastating.”