JeffCo Manager: Cooper Green transition going 'smoothly' | News

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Jefferson County is taking steps to help more than 200 employees losing their jobs at Cooper Green Mercy Hospital.

This coming Monday, the hospital will stop offering inpatient care which will save the county money but cost 210 workers their jobs.

This morning employees met with various agencies to answer questions about new jobs and insurance. Because the county hasn't yet sold the Jefferson Rehabilitation & Health Center, the county will be able to move 22 employees from Cooper Green to that facility. In addition, 2 former Cooper Green employees are expected to fill vacant positions at the county's youth detention center.

Jefferson County Manager Tony Petelos says the transition away from a full service hospital is going smoothly.

"I believe we are down to three inpatients in the hospital. We should transfer the three by Monday without a problem," Petelos said.

Petelos also met with some area police departments today and told them they need to make new arrangements for medical care of prisoners.

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