Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Reported by Michelle Meredith for The NEWS 10, December 8, 1982.
USA Medical Center was facing a massive financial burden after providing approximately $19 million in hospital care to patients who could not afford to pay. The county provided only $2 million, leaving the medical center responsible for an estimated $17 million in unpaid medical bills.
Facing severe financial pressure, USA officials announced plans to close the emergency room on weekends, beginning January 7, in an effort to save approximately $3 million a year. Because USA served as the region's trauma center, the decision would place additional demands on Mobile's other hospitals, including Providence, Nwood, and Spring Hill.
Officials said the medical center needed approximately $8 million more each year and were looking to the city, county, and state for additional funding.
Another cost-cutting measure was also announced: beginning January 1, patients from outside Mobile County who could not guarantee payment would not be treated at the hospital.
Reporter: Michelle Meredith
Station: News 10 Nightcast
Location: Mobile, Alabama
Year: 1982
Reported by Michelle Meredith for The NEWS 10, December 8, 1982.
USA Medical Center was facing a massive financial burden after providing approximately $19 million in hospital care to patients who could not afford to pay. The county provided only $2 million, leaving the medical center responsible for an estimated $17 million in unpaid medical bills.
Facing severe financial pressure, USA officials announced plans to close the emergency room on weekends, beginning January 7, in an effort to save approximately $3 million a year. Because USA served as the region's trauma center, the decision would place additional demands on Mobile's other hospitals, including Providence, Nwood, and Spring Hill.
Officials said the medical center needed approximately $8 million more each year and were looking to the city, county, and state for additional funding.
Another cost-cutting measure was also announced: beginning January 1, patients from outside Mobile County who could not guarantee payment would not be treated at the hospital.
Reporter: Michelle Meredith
Station: News 10 Nightcast
Location: Mobile, Alabama
Year: 1982
