Emergency Room Closure: Lawrence Medical Center Set to Shut Down ER

MOULTON, Ala. (WHNT) — In May, Lawrence Medical Center will be shutting down its emergency department, directing patients to seek care at emergency facilities in neighboring counties instead.

The board of directors at the medical center stated that the facility was grappling with financial difficulties and staff shortages, making continued operation unviable. However, residents of Lawrence County have expressed worries regarding the effects this shutdown could have on their community.

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"There are many ill individuals in this region, and most of them seek treatment at Lawrence Medical Center since they cannot afford to pay for services elsewhere," stated Jeffery Steward, who resides in Courtland.

Steward underwent a triple bypass surgery and requires monthly blood draws. Once the emergency department in Moulton shuts down, he will need to go to Sheffield for these medical procedures.

"Occasionally, the journey to Sheffield can be problematic due to heavy traffic or accidents," explained Steward.

For residents of Moulton and nearby areas, the closest emergency departments will shortly be located at hospitals in Decatur, Hartselle, Cullman, and Sheffield. Driving from central Moulton to these facilities typically takes more than half an hour.

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"It’s truly going to hurt this community because many residents are quite ill, and they rely heavily on the medical center in Moulton," Steward stated.

For non-emergency healthcare needs, the Lawrence Medical Center will continue to provide outpatient services such as imaging, electrocardiograms (EKG), laboratory tests, respiratory therapy, and physical therapy.

The chairperson of the Lawrence Medical Center Board mentioned that several emergency room doctors who are presently practicing in Moulton will take turns at the urgent care facility along Highway 157. This urgent care center operates until 5 p.m. during weekdays and closes at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Huntsville Hospital System informs News 19 that the local tax funds allocated for the medical center will be utilized to construct a new, state-of-the-art outpatient facility in the coming years.

The emergency department is set to shut down on May 23.

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