ATLANTA (September 17, 2009) – State Sen. Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta) is pleased to announce a victory in the fight to keep the Grady Dialysis Clinic open.  A Fulton County Superior Court judge has issued a restraining order against the Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation.  In the order, Grady cannot refuse treatment to patients, move them to other states for services or offer to relocate immigrant patients to their home countries. 

“All of our hard work is coming to fruition,” said Sen. Fort.  “These patients have families, jobs and friends in the metro area and should be able to get the treatment they need without having to leave Atlanta. Instead of working to keep the clinic open or helping patients find a new facility, Grady told these Georgians to pack up and leave town.”

Grady spokesperson Matt Grove admitted that the hospital was not clear when informing patients about future options after the dialysis clinic closed.  While the clinic will pay for treatment for patients livening in Fulton and Dekalb counties, many patients were not initially told about this option.

“Grady’s CEO Michael Young needs to remember the mission of the hospital is to serve the poor in the community,” Sen. Fort said.  “Everyone deserves to be healthy, and receive proper medical treatment.”