Officials at Newnan's Emory Peachtree Regional Hospital announced Wednesday their intent to build a new facility.

An application was filed with the state for a Certificate of Need to replace the current 38-year-old facility.

“According to two independent surveys, Coweta residents would welcome the convenience of a state-of-the-art hospital within the county,” said Emory Peachtree CEO Linda Jabinsky, “partly one associated with a nationally recognized teaching hospital.”

Jeff Strane, chairman of the hospital's Board of Trustees, echoed Jabinsky's comments.

“We have deliberated every aspect of this major step with the needs of the community foremost in mind. As our population continues to increase, so does our mandate to provide care in an environment that offers optimum efficiency and convenience to our patients, physicians and staff,” he said.

The hospital currently provides the area's only obstetrical labor delivery service, plus 24-hour emergency services, workplace health programs and outpatient testing.

Michael Johns, MD, Vice President for Health Affairs at Emory University and CEO of Emory Healthcare, is pleased with the move.

“Improved community access to outpatient services is vital to improving the health of our communities. We are pleased to be a part of this important enhancement to the healthcare delivery system of Coweta County,” he said.

Officials did not announce a site for the new facility.