Gov. Brian Kemp, Fulton County leaders and elected officials across the Southside celebrated the groundbreaking for a new Grady Health System emergency facility in Union City on Wednesday.
When completed, the facility will be a significant step in returning emergency care to residents in South Fulton County, who say their community has been underserved. Since the closure of the Atlanta Medical Center and AMC South in 2022, local residents must travel up to 45 minutes to receive emergency care.
Kemp and Robb Pitts, chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, have emphasized the need for all residents to have access to quality healthcare.
The 20,000-square-foot emergency department located at 5600 Campbellton Fairburn Road will provide 24-hour emergency services. The facility is projected to open in fall 2026.
“This new emergency facility will ensure that families have access to life-saving care when they need it most,” Union City Mayor Vince Williams said in a statement. “The council and I have seen rapid growth in recent years, and this investment is a crucial step forward in protecting the health of our residents.”
Grady President and CEO John Haupert said he foresees a growing demand for emergency services in South Fulton.
“As metro Atlanta’s population grows, so does the need for medical care, specifically emergency care in South Fulton,” Haupert said. “The freestanding emergency department will allow us to serve this community by bringing exceptional care to patients right where they live. The residents in this area deserve the same level of quality care available in other areas, and Grady is proud to take this major step toward fulfilling that need.”
The facility will feature 16 treatment bays and be fully staffed with physicians, nurses, and clinicians trained to treat both adult and pediatric patients with serious injuries and life-threatening conditions, the statement said.
It will also include on-site imaging and laboratory services, a pharmacy, support areas for patients and staff, a dedicated ambulance entrance, and a helipad for air transfers to area hospitals.
Such a needed resource for quality life-saving measures and other health and medical needs of South Fulton area. This is an exciting work opportunities for the community on so many levels … medical, nursing, allied health staff, pharmacy expertise staff, administrative staff, hospital management staff and so many other possible positions. Thanks to the Grady system, Gov Kemp, the Fulton County leaders, and Robb Pitts for bringing this emergency facility to fruition for the South Fulton community.
Great news for South Fulton. Glad to see something finally happening after all this time without nearby emergency care. Is there any info yet on whether they’ll be able to handle bigger emergencies like trauma, or just basic ER stuff? Would be good to know for families in the area.