ADEL, Ga. — Cook Medical Center’s CEO says talks are continuing with Cook County officials about a replacement for Cook Medical Center and that talks about moving to Hahira were part of exploring “all avenues.”

In January, Tift Regional Health System, which operates Cook Medical, announced the Cook hospital’s emergency room — the only ER in the county — would close at the end of February, citing millions of dollars in losses during a number of years. On Feb. 10, Tift Regional officials met with representatives of Hahira to discuss moving the hospital there.

In a statement released Wednesday, Cook Medical CEO Michael Purvis said Tift Regional has been in discussions with Cook County officials since 2015 on the development of a replacement facility in Adel and that it was Hahira officials who approached Tift Regional about possibly relocating. 

He described the talks as “an informal discussion to explore options.”

“The Hahira representatives reached out to us, so we went to hear what they had to say,” Purvis said. “They are forward-thinking and we appreciate their interest. It is our duty to explore all avenues.”

Hahira City Manager Jonathan Sumner said he understands there is concern in Cook about getting a new facility there because of possible trouble with the county and the city of Adel.

Finding a suitable location for a replacement facility in Cook and receiving financial assistance from the city and county to offset the growing expense of indigent and charitable care has been discussed with Cook/Adel officials, Purvis said.

Tift Regional plans to offer expanded hours at a non-emergency medical clinic in Adel.

“By opening a new convenient-care clinic in Adel for minor medical issues and sending emergency patients to the closest, appropriate ER, we will be able to offer a more appropriate level of care for the community,” Purvis said.

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.