Coweta County’s prospects fora new hospital improved this week as Newnan Hospital and Piedmont Healthcare announced an agreement that could bring a state-of-the art hospital to the county.

But the fly in the ointment is a lawsuit that could potentially delay construction on a new facility. The lawsuit was filed by three plaintiffs, including Coweta Summit Associates, and alleges the deal between Newnan Hospital and Piedmont would make the hospital unable to fulfill its obligations to the plaintiffs. The issue is set to be heard June 7 in Coweta Superior Court, but Piedmont Spokesperson Nina Montanaro said the issue is between Newnan Hospital and the plaintiffs.

“Our agreement won’t be finalized until July or August after the Attorney General approves it. We just want to move forward as soon as we can,” she said.

According to the agreement, Piedmont will file a Certificate-of-Need application with the state to build a new state-of-the-art hospital complex within a one-year time frame. Piedmont has committed to begin construction on the new facility within the year following all necessary legal and regulatory approvals, according to a press release issued this week.

Gregory A. Hurst, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Piedmont Healthcare, said, "This is a new day for healthcare in Coweta County. We look forward to engaging the community in the planning and development of the new replacement facility."

"The Board of Newnan Hospital is pleased to announce our agreement with Piedmont Healthcare," said Tom Moat, president of the Newnan Hospital Board of Directors. "We believe that this partnership will result in a stronger healthcare system that will serve the best interests of the residents of Coweta County and the Newnan Hospital family of employees, physicians, and volunteers. Our healthcare system will be the best in the Atlanta metropolitan area."

According to the release, as part of the agreement, the Board of Directors for the newly formed Piedmont Newnan subsidiary will include a majority of community representation including community members and physicians, as well as Piedmont membership. Piedmont's commitment also includes continued provision of care with equal access to hospital services regardless of ability to pay; assumption or payment of the $43 million bond debt of Newnan Hospital; and the establishment of a community healthcare trust. The trust will retain some Newnan Hospital assets that are not included in the acquisition. This trust will help provide for the future benefit of healthcare in the entire community, not just the hospital.

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