Temporary restraining order issued in FTC/Phoebe case

ALBANY, Ga. — A ruling has come down from U.S. District Judge Louis Sands issuing a temporary restraining order in the case regarding the purchase of the former Palmyra Medical Center, enjoining the Phoebe Putney Health System and the Hospital Authority of Albany-Dougherty County from taking any further steps to consolidate Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and its nearby sister hospital. In the order that was filed Wednesday, it states that the Federal Trade Commission maintained a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction were needed to preserve the 'status quo' pending the outcome of the administrative proceedings in regards to the acquisition of the hospital now known as Phoebe North Campus.