Nearly a year ago, Jefferson County filed a $4.23 million bankruptcy case and now, they have claimed that they can no longer afford to keep a Birmingham hospital open. The hospital has 319 beds and offers in-patient services, but with only a few dozen patients a day, they cannot cover the losses that are associated with it.

The largest city in Jefferson County, Birmingham, asked the bankruptcy judge in the case to keep Cooper Green Mercy operating in full capacity. In order to solve this issue, the county has suggested that the emergency room be turned into a urgent care facility as well as provide care to other outpatient clinics.

Patients that visited the hospital would be sent to different hospitals. The Chapter 9 bankruptcy filing is protecting Jefferson County from any lawsuits that could spur from this. Officials with the bankruptcy case stated, “as long as the county pays, it is in compliance with law.”

Commissioners for the county approved a $205.2 million operating budget for the year. This number is $12 million less than what was approved in the fiscal year that ended September 30.

If you have been struggling with debt and want to get your finances in order, you need representation on your side that can help you with this process step-by-step. Contact the Birmingham bankruptcy lawyers at Greenway Bankruptcy Law, LLC today.