Valdosta-based South Georgia Medical Center and Homerville, Ga.-based Clinch Memorial Hospital terminated their affiliation Feb. 26 after roughly 18 years, according to WCTV.
As a critical access hospital, Clinch Memorial is required by law to maintain a network affiliate to transfer patients who require care beyond the 25-bed hospital's capabilities.
Clinch Memorial officials reportedly decided to end the hospital's affiliation with SGMC and instead partner with Coffee Regional Medical Center, an 88-bed hospital in Douglas, Ga., "to better serve our community and patients," according to WCTV.
The two hospitals will remain independent entities.