‘Thrive not just survive’: Winston County’s only hospital enters agreement to receive support from Huntsville Health Care Authority

WINSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - Huntsville Hospital Health System has entered an agreement to help support the only hospital in Winston County.

On Thursday, July 2, Huntsville Hospital Health System announced that the Health Care Authority of the city of Huntsville and the Health Care Authority of Haleyville and Winston County unanimously agreed to enter an affiliation agreement to help ensure Lakeland Community Hospital remains a “strong, viable hospital” for residents of Winston County and northwest Alabama.

“The affiliation agreement creates a formal partnership between the two organizations and provides financial support, strategic guidance and resources to help Lakeland Community Hospital stabilize and continue providing high-quality care locally,” wrote the Huntsville Hospital Health System.

Lakeland Community Hospital will continue normal operations as a 25-bed critical access hospital and is not part of Huntsville Hospital Health System under the agreement. Lakeland will maintain its local leadership, day-to-day operations and community focus.

“Patient’s and staff should not see changes in day-to-day care or management,” said Huntsville Hospital Health System.

Lakeland is the only hospital in Winston County and reportedly reached out to Huntsville Hospital Health System looking for a “strong regional partner that understood the importance of preserving local care.”

The agreement does not replace any existing local support for Lakeland Community Hospital. Local funding is still key in meeting current obligations and supporting the hospital’s long-term stability, according to Huntsville Hospital Health Systems.

“We are thankful to Huntsville Hospital Health System for stepping up and supporting Lakeland Community Hospital,” said Roger Hayes, chairman, Health Care Authority of Haleyville and Winston County. “Their partnership gives us a stronger path forward and helps protect the long-term sustainability of local health care in Winston County.”

“When a community loses access to its hospital, the impact reaches far beyond one building,” said Jeff Samz, president and CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health. “It affects patients, families, local employers, emergency responders and neighboring hospitals. This agreement is about acting before that happens in Winston County. Lakeland Community Hospital has an impressive, dedicated team and plays an integral role in this region. HH Health is proud to help support its future.”

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