Archives Index / State Surgeon General Announces Initial Agreements For A.G. Holley Tuberculosis Patient Care (posted: 06/20/12)

Source: Florida Department of Health, Office of Communications
Contact: Jessica Hammonds

Shands Jacksonville and Jackson Health System chosen for their expertise in treating patients with multiple complex chronic diseases-

TALLAHASSEE, FL – State Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong today announced initial agreements with two Florida hospitals to care for tuberculosis (TB) patients. Shands Jacksonville will receive newly court ordered TB patients beginning immediately. Jackson Health System in Miami will receive court ordered TB patients and patients requiring hospitalization currently treated at A.G. Holley Hospital.

“Jackson Health System and Shands Jacksonville have national reputations for their level of expertise in caring for patients with complex health issues,” said Dr. Armstrong. “It is a testament to the quality of health care in our state that we now move into the future with confidence that these patients will receive continued high quality care in settings closer to their communities.”

During the closure process of A.G. Holley State Hospital, continued quality of care for the patients is of paramount importance to the Department. Many patients currently at A.G. Holley have multiple complex chronic diseases making treatment a challenge. During the negotiation process, Shands Jacksonville and Jackson Health System impressed the Department with their level of expertise in caring for patients with multiple complex issues, ability to reach into community networks and resources to provide additional care, and locations within the state.

"Shands Jacksonville and University of Florida physicians have the expertise necessary to treat these unique patients,” said Jim Burkhart, president and CEO of Shands Jacksonville. “Like many hospitals, we deal with tuberculosis cases on an ongoing basis. The Florida Department of Health has asked us to use our experience in this transitional period, and we will do so as the state looks toward a permanent solution.”

“At Jackson Health System, we have the experience and expertise to treat the multiple challenges these patients are facing,” said Carlos A. Migoya, Jackson’s president and CEO. “Our nurses and doctors look forward to treating them with the world-class care that all of our patients receive.”

The closure of A.G. Holley Hospital was mandated by the state legislature through HB 1263. The initial agreement with Jackson Health System and Shands Jacksonville ensure patient care in the hospital will conclude by July 2, 2012, with the campus slated to close by January 1, 2013.

In 2011, 753 TB cases were reported in Florida, representing a 10 percent decrease in cases since 2010. There has been a steady decline in the number of TB cases in the state since 1994 (1,764 cases). Fourteen counties account for 80 percent of Florida’s TB morbidity. To learn more about DOH’s efforts to prevent and educate Floridians and visitors on TB, visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl/tb/