Jeffco Commission faces Cooper Green issue again

Inpatient care at Cooper Green Hospital was once again be the focus for Jefferson County commissioners Monday.

The Jefferson County Commission reconvened the meeting that was abruptly adjourned last Tuesday but has taken no action on ending inpatient care at Cooper Green.

Commissioner Jimmie Stephens says there will be no vote this week on the issue but they are close to a plan to transfer Cooper Green patients to other hospitals.

"That means Cooper Green has to stay there, stay viable. Increase outpatient, critical care and if you need inpatient care you will be transferred from that network to an area hospital," Stephens said.

Stephens says he believes a vote on ending inpatient care at Cooper Green could come next week.

The commission's meeting last Tuesday ended with shouting, singing, and pleas from some protestors to be hauled off to jail to get their message heard. They want to keep the inpatient care open.

The commission's notice put out Sunday says the commission would be going into executive session to talk about pending legal action, but will not take any action on Cooper Green.

On Monday night, some Jefferson County commissioners will take a break from talking about Cooper Green to answer questions about another hot topic. There is a public hearing on sewer rates tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the Samford Cumberland School of Law.

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