Citing years of financial woes, county officials voted to close Parson, Tenn.-based Decatur County General last week, according to The Jackson Sun.
Decatur County General, a rural 40-bed hospital, has faced several challenges in the last few years, including the abrupt departure of its administrator, financial losses and declining admissions.
State reports show that the hospital averages less than one patient per day.
"This is heartbreaking for our county, as we have tried so hard to save our local hospital," Decatur County Commissioner April Watkins Barrett told The Jackson Sun. "As time has passed, it has become obvious that the old model for rural, community hospitals is gone and new options must be considered."
The full closure of the facility must be approved by the hospital board.