SOMERVILLE, Tenn. — Methodist Healthcare announced Thursday Methodist Fayette Hospital will close Friday, March 27.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that we are closing one of our hospitals, Methodist Fayette Hospital, which has been part of the Methodist family since 1980,” Gary Shorb, CEO for Methodist Healthcare, said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, over the last few years, inpatient volume has declined significantly, and the hospital has been averaging a daily inpatient census of approximately one patient, which is simply not sustainable,” Shorb added. “We want to be transparent in our decision making and provide the community and our Associates as much notice as possible.”
The Methodist recruitment team will help Fayette employees find jobs, both within the Methodist system and elsewhere.
Some in the community were shocked by the news.
“It’s unbelievable,” Alicia Peeler of Somerville said.
Others, like Jennifer Pickard, said they had heard rumors of the hospital closing for a long time.
“You know, it’s been speculation ever since I’ve lived here, and I’ve lived in Fayette County for 30 years and I’ve probably heard it for the last 15,” Pickard said.
Peeler lives on the same street as the hospital with her 5-month-old son. She feels safer knowing it’s down the road and goes there often.
“Plenty of times, and they did a very good job for me and my son,” she said.
The hospital’s parking lot was basically empty Thursday night. No one at the hospital could speak about the closure, but a spokesperson said by phone around 45 employees would be affected and that the hospital was working to relocate them.
People in Somerville are also wondering where they’ll go.
“Drive I guess, just go to another hospital, that’s the only thing we can do,” Peeler said.
“Bartlett would be the closest, which is about 20 to 25 minutes,” Pickard added.
A spokesperson said the hospital is working with first responders to figure out how they will handle future emergency situations.