Bessemer residents upset about plans to move UAB Medical West

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - UAB Medical West is planning to close its current facility in Bessemer and move operations to a new building. The city of Hoover is lobbying to be the home of that new facility.

CEO Keith Pennington says they're building a new facility to keep up with the demands of a modern hospital. However, patients who are currently going to UAB West say they don’t want things to change.

Sheena Howard lives near 150 and says this is the closest hospital for her family. A drive to Hoover would be out of the question.

"The congestion is too bad. I live right in the middle of the congestion, so it would be awful," says Howard.

She says the current facility is right along a convenient bus line. If it were moved to Hoover, they'd have to take back roads or the congested highway.

"If they take the hospital, a lot of people, including the ones who come from Bibb County, they'll lose services," says Howard.

Chad Dailey's wife is having liver complications. UAB West is the closest medical facility that can provide the care she needs.

"Her liver is about to fail and I need all the help I can get with the hospital here,” says Dailey.

Some are concerned especially for the elderly patients.

"Some of them would probably have to get a taxi cab or a family member to bring them down," says Nedra Sanders.

"People don't have cars and buses don't go on 150, so you have to service your community where you stand and they've been here for years," says Howard.

There’s a chance the current facility would be re-purposed into a freestanding ER after the move. Pennington also says there might be additional positions opened at a new facility, but can’t say for sure until all plans are final. They hope that happens soon.

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