Erlanger to continue operating emergency department

Following questions posed to healthcare leaders by Sequatchie County commissioners and local residents during a special called meeting April 17, commissioners voted 16-2 to continue Erlanger Health System’s local emergency operations pending final, agreed-upon contract updates. Erlanger has operated the Sequatchie Valley Emergency Department since 2014.

Several commissioners expressed appreciation for the lease proposals submitted by both Erlanger and Parkridge, calling each impressive. A deciding factor was the overwhelming local support for Erlanger, it was noted.

Commissioner Jeff Mackey made the motion for the commission to formally reject the building lease proposal from Parkridge. A second step was to direct the County Executive (Keith Cartwright) and County Attorney (Jennifer Mitchell) to perfect the contract from Erlanger Health System based on changes Erlanger Market President and Chief Executive Officer for Outreach Stephanie Boynton agreed upon during the meeting. The complete contract is to be presented to the commission at the May 19 regular county meeting for formal acceptance.

Voting yes were Chester Shell, Linda Lewandowski, Brian Ruehling, Blaine Layne, James Breland, Bryan Walker, Joyce Dotson, James Wilson, Jeff Barger, Paul Powell, Michael Hudson, June Dishman, Frank Silver, Susie Bostic, Tom Vennero, and Jeff Mackey. Voting no were Wayne Clemons and Tommy Johnson.

For more on the meeting, see the April 24 issue of The Dunlap Tribune.