If you love living in our beautiful mountains, or are considering a move to Murphy, NC or the surrounding counties, you likely appreciate our region’s gorgeous scenery and feast of outdoor activities. However, you’ve probably wished that premier medical facilities, and highly regarded specialists, were much more accessible – especially for those facing serious or chronic health issues.
Fortunately, Chattanooga, TN-based Erlanger Health System has stepped in to provide a solution. In April 2018, after two years of due diligence and planning, Erlanger announced plans to acquire Peachtree-based Murphy Medical Center (MMC). By bringing our 40-year-old community hospital into the Erlanger family, our residents and visitors will benefit from an expanded menu of services and specialists.
Our Local Hospital Receives an Historic Name Change
While Erlanger Health System administrators skillfully managed Murphy Medical Center’s transition, they were also planning a noteworthy event behind the scenes. On Friday, January 11, hospital CEO Mark Kimball announced that Murphy Medical Center was receiving a brand-new name. Elected officials, civic leaders, and local residents were present for the big announcement.
Effective immediately, Murphy Medical Center will now be called Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital. Kimball emphasized that the new name more accurately reflects the hospital’s expanded patient base, as the facility currently serves patients from Andrews, Hayesville, and other surrounding areas. In addition, Kimball noted that the new name recognized the institution’s integration with Erlanger Health System.
Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital • 3990 E. US Hwy. 64 Alt. • Murphy, NC 28906 •828-837-8161.
Erlanger’s Vision for Our Regional Market
Although Murphy, NC is a two-hour drive from Erlanger Health System’s main campus, Erlanger considers Murphy, NC part of the Chattanooga regional market. This hospital system’s sprawling service area is comprised of seven counties in western North Carolina, North Georgia, and East Tennessee. Collectively, Erlanger serves approximately 45,000 residents of all demographics.
Now that our region falls under the Erlanger Health System umbrella, Murphy and Cherokee County residents can easily access Erlanger’s large network of surgeons and medical specialists. Erlanger wlll transport trauma patients, along with patients requiring higher-level or more complex care, to the hospital’s superbly equipped Chattanooga campus.
Snapshot of Hospital Facilities & Practices
Today, Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital encompasses several distinct facilities, all located within a few miles’ drive of the main Peachtree campus. In addition to the 25-bed critical access hospital, patients can access the Wound Care Center and Urgent Care Center (located under the same roof in downtown Murphy).
The Peachtree Athletic and Rehabilitation Center (or PARC) is located just down the road from the main hospital building. The latter facility features workout equipment and a full roster of classes. The Center also serves patients with physician-prescribed rehabilitation programs.
Our region’s residents and visitors benefit from a well-rounded menu of medical services. In addition to a family medicine practice, patients can visit a multi-specialty clinic. Urology, OB-GYN, and orthopaedics & sports medicine specialists are easily accessible. General surgeon offices are convenient to the nearby main hospital.
What Erlanger Brings to the Table
Even before Erlanger Health System announced its formal affiliation with our region, the hospital began actively providing services to area residents. In 2017, Erlanger stationed one of its six Life Force helicopters at Andrews’ Western Carolina Regional Airport. During the same year, Erlanger began staffing Murphy Medical Center with hospitalists, or hospital-based physicians who manage other physicians’ patient treatment regimens.
Looking at the broader picture, Erlanger is a nationally recognized academic medical center that includes seven regional hospitals. Viewed from another perspective, Erlanger operates the United States’ 10th largest public healthcare system. This enables the corporation to maintain its “big picture” focus while helping to effectively serve diverse regional markets.
As Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital strengthens its ties with Murphy, NC and our surrounding region, everyone will benefit from Erlanger Health System’s reputation for world-class patient care.
The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – www.ILoveMurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team