Q: I’ve heard that Piedmont Geriatric in Burkeville could close. Is this true?

A state report that has the backing of Gov. Terry McAuliffe is recommending that Piedmont Geriatric Hospital in Burkeville be closed.

But area officials are opposing the effort, arguing it would harm the local economy and hurt those the hospital serves.

The report by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services recommends closure of the 123-bed Piedmont and 110-bed Catawba Hospital in Roanoke County. The facilities are two of the oldest hospitals in the state’s network. 

The report, ordered by state lawmakers, recommends adding a wing to a newer facility and building a network of community services,

especially those that care for people with dementia, media outlets report.

Prince Edward County Administrator Wade Bartlett said closing the facility would be a blow to the region.

“The closing of that facility would be an unfortunate shock to the regional economy,” Bartlett said. “With a workforce totaling about 400 (people), there is no doubt citizens from all of the counties in the region will be displaced. The loss of a payroll that totals in the millions will greatly impact all of us. This is one of the largest employers in the region and I would hope the commonwealth will provide help to those employees affected.”

Meanwhile, Del. Tommy Wright said in a recent newsletter that one of his priorities has been to reverse the McAuliffe administration’s decision to close the facility.

“There is broad agreement among lawmakers that these closures are not in the best interests of the patients,” Wright noted. “While the plan has been to relocate these older patients, places that can accommodate them are in very short supply. Keeping Piedmont Geriatric operational is the only realistic option currently available.”

“The challenge of dealing with elderly patients in need of inpatient treatment for mental illness is not unique to Virginia. States across the nation are grappling with the difficulties of aging patients needing long-term care. I am encouraged that so many of my colleagues appreciate this challenge and understand the need for a facility like Piedmont Geriatric Hospital.” 

The agency’s website notes that Piedmont Geriatric is the only Virginia state facility that exclusively treats people over 65 years old in need of inpatient treatment for mental illness, meets the requirements for voluntary or involuntary admission as determined by their local mental health center and does not have a medical condition that requires priority treatment in an acute care hospital.

Piedmont Geriatric serves several counties and cities across the state, including Buckingham, Cumberland and Prince Edward.