SMYRNA, Ga. — A metro Atlanta hospital is closing its doors by the end of the year, according to officials.
Emory Smyrna Hospital, located on South Cobb Drive, will close on Dec. 29, 2024, a news release stated. Officials added before the closure they will gradually fizzle services out.
Emory Healthcare said the closure was due to several challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic delaying renovations.
Officials said that the facility did not offer emergencies or operate at full capacity. It only provided outpatient radiology services. The healthcare system added that the hospital only had two patient beds for walk-in patients.
"We plan to open additional operating rooms this fall. Therefore, all patients can be assured of continued access and care," the healthcare system said in a statement. "We continue to have a strong presence in the Smyrna area, including outpatient musculoskeletal clinics."
A spokesperson for the healthcare system added that the Smyrna location was the site of the Emory-Adventist Hospital as a joint venture between Emory Healthcare and Florida-based Adventist Health System for 19 years. Emory-Adventist Hospital closed its doors in October 2014 and then reopened as the Emory Smyrna Hospital in October 2015 with "minimal services." No emergency or obstetrical services were offered.
The spokesperson added that 20 employees work at the facility part-time and as needed. They will have the option to apply at other Emory Healthcare locations.
Officials added that the outpatient imaging services will be phased out by September, and all other services will discontinue in December.
A spokesperson added that there is a medical office building located on the campus that will remain operational with no immediate impacts. That building contains six practices, including Emory Orthopaedics, a Spine Center clinic and a pharmacy.
As for the future of the Smryna Hospital campus, officials have not made a decision. However, the spokesperson did say that Emory Healthcare wants to retain a presence in the Smyrna community, including an outpatient musculoskeletal clinic.
"We value our patients who receive care at Emory Smyrna Hospital, as well as our dedicated employees who work at the Smyrna location. We are committed to smooth transitions to other Emory Healthcare facilities for both patients and employees," a spokesperson added.
Patients who had imaging studies done or received medical care at the Smyrna location can call 844-335-6968 to obtain their medical records in needed, the spokesperson said.