In local health care activity heading
into last year, Floyd Medical
Center’s merger with North
Carolina based Atrium Health was
major news.
While the largest employer in Floyd
County’s decision is very impactful,
the pandemic eclipsed all news
last year.
The merger with Atrium is
continuing and by way of update
several steps have been taken,
including adding two members
from Atrium to the Floyd Medical
Center Board of Directors. Local
voices will still be in the majority
among Floyd’s many boards.
Following the AG review the
federal process begins its review.
Approval is forecast for early
summer following completion of
the transaction. A mid-year name
change to Atrium Health Floyd is
anticipated mid year.
“The community, including Polk
County will get major benefits,”
said Kurt Stuenkel, President
and CEO of Floyd Medical
Center. “These include access
to the financial sector for capital
commitments and substantial
contribution – a minimum of $80
million to the Floyd Healthcare
Foundation.”
“Promotion of healthy activities in
the region, addressing disparities
of care for individuals and groups
to lift outcomes in the region. We
are also excited to have access to
the intellectual and management
expertise of this $13 billion
system,” said Stuenkel.
During 2021 Floyd is working to
raising trauma services to higher
standards. The state of Georgia
has decided to move level 1 and
2 centers to American College of
Surgeons requirements. Those
standards will be met and more
physicians will be available. Harbin
Clinic’s dedicated resources
include orthopedic specialists –
especially necessary for complex
automobile accidents, for example.
The level 2-trauma center
strengthens the region’s medical
center status.
Additionally, Floyd is upgrading
to the EPIC System, a $60 million
industry leading IT system.
Stuenkel anticipates no major
personnel changes other than
Floyd Medical Center
CEO Kurt Stuenkel
(left) speaks with
Gov. Brian Kemp and
community leaders
during a visit to the
hospital in May.
additions with expectations of
growth with Atrium.
With as much as $100 million
entering “the big league
of foundations” additional
responsiveness to indigent needs
and outreach will be supported.
Recently, WSB-TV noted that Floyd
is the largest center in Georgia for
monoclonal antibodies treatment
and are among the leaders in the
southeast.
HARBIN
The community is fortunate to
have the state’s largest private
multispecialty medical practice:
the Harbin Clinic.
Among improvements and
upgrades in the region is the large
medical building at 1825 Martha
Berry Blvd. The Eye Center is also
expanding with more space to
accommodate patients and care
providers. Ophthalmologist Dr.
Dimple Modi has recently been
added and provides examinations,
disease management and
advanced surgical care.
In 2020, Harbin opened its new
pediatrics building Harbin Clinic
OUTLOOK | MARCH 2021 29