The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals has unanimously overturned
a lower court ruling, finding that Montgomery District Court Judge Jimmy Pool erred
in his July ruling against Trinity and ordering him to enter a judgment in
favor of the hospital’s relocation.
In issuing their ruling, the five-judge panel reinstated
the Certificate of Need Trinity was awarded in September of 2010 and paved the
way for the hospital’s relocation to Highway 280.
“We are delighted to take this important step forward
with our relocation project and we appreciate the Court’s direction on this
matter,” said Trinity President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Granger. “With
expedited action from Judge Pool as requested by the Court, we hope to have
this matter resolved within a few months so we can move forward with planning
and construction as soon as possible.
The appellate court’s ruling is the sixth legal victory Trinity has achieved in the four years since the medical
center first announced plans to relocate. The only decisions against Trinity came from Montgomery County District Judge
Jimmy Pool, who twice ruled against Trinity and now twice has been overturned
by a higher court.
“Today’s ruling is affirming not only for the thousands
of area residents who need improved access to care, but also for
the Trinity physicians and employees who consistently raise the bar in patient
satisfaction, quality care, infection reduction and many other measures despite
the limitations of our 45-year-old facility,” added Granger.
Barring further legal delays, Trinity intends to complete
planning efforts for the 280 facility within the next few months. Construction
could begin as early as mid-2013.
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