FGH celebrates new Latimer clinic completion

The New Franklin General Hospital (FGH) – Latimer Clinic welcomed its first guests last week.

The new facility, located at the corner of Akir Street and Andrews Street, formally opened to the public last Monday, Nov. 23.

“We saw our first patients there yesterday, so we’re up and running,” said Kim Price, FGH CEO. “It’s exciting to make that transition.”

Construction on the new facility began in April 2020 after FGH officials expressed interest in a larger building, as demand outgrew the former Latimer clinic. The ground on which the new building was built – formerly host to the Latimer grocery store - was sold to FGH through the Latimer Community Foundation.

Once FGH finalized its plans and received a series of approvals from the City of Latimer, plans moved forward.

Price said that the process to transform the facility from a blueprint to a physical location was complicated slightly by the COVID-19 pandemic, but said the project came together well all things considered.

“Construction is always a challenge and then you throw in a pandemic, which makes it a little more complex,” he said. “But the last two weeks really came together and we’re ready to see patients.”

Price said one of the most valuable features of the new building is the amount of space inside. Especially with the pandemic and the arrival of flu season, Price said the location allows patients to distant from one another and staff to work comfortably.

“We’ve double the square footage and we’re able to make it easier for folks to do work, so now there’s a better ability to take care of the community on that side of the county,” he said. “It’s a great asset to not only have for Latimer, but for that area.”

Seeing the importance of the new clinic, the community too invested generously in the new project. Price said a majority of the funding came from the sale of a farmland gift given to FGH through the Eva Pals Trust.

“The FGH Board and Trustees felt using the proceeds from the Pals farm sale to fund the Latimer Clinic was a great way to honor the spirit in which the original gift was given,” Price said. “The new clinic supports the community the Pals family so valued and provides residents easy access to quality health care, a cause that the Pals family supported.”

The Franklin County Community Foundation provided grant money for new exam tables and the City of Latimer and the Latimer Development Corporation assisted with acquiring the land. Price said these efforts show the value of the clinic to the community.

“We are so grateful for the support we receive from our community,” he said. “It is great to see so many organizations come together to improve and strengthen our community.”

The Latimer Clinic is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and appointments can be made by calling 641-579-6340.