The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a motion to amend a suit filed two years ago in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Georgia.  In doing so, the FTC has asked the court to grant a temporary restraining order and a temporary injunction to prohibit Phoebe from altering in any way Phoebe North Campus, the former Palmyra Medical Center. 

The requested action would prevent any improvements or renovations planned for the facility to enhance patient care for the residents served by Phoebe.

Prior to this latest filing, the FTC, on two separate occasions, refused Phoebe's offer to "stand down" and do nothing to alter the facility pending further administrative proceedings in Washington D.C.

"We will proceed to protect the organization and community interests in court.  It's unfortunate that so many resources must be committed by Phoebe, interfering with the Phoebe mission to deliver the best possible care and exceed the expectations of all we serve," says Tommy Chambless, Phoebe senior vice president and general counsel.

Chambless adds, "The Hospital Authority of Albany-Dougherty County purchased the former Palmyra Medical Center from Hospital Corporation of America (HCA).  This transaction involving a willing seller and buyer occurred because Phoebe has a need for the space to expand its women's and children's services including neonatal services, to enhance trauma care for Southwest Georgia, to meet long term acute care needs in our part of the state, and to address capacity needs for the delivery of intensive care and rehabilitation care, among other healthcare objectives, all to better meet the growing and demonstrated needs of the community."