Latest Hospital Closing A Blow To Rural Residents

Charlton Memorial Hospital in southeast Georgia, which will suspend operations Friday, is set to become the third rural hospital in the state to close this year.

The Hospital Authority of Charlton County cited ‘‘financial instability’’ in announcing its decision to close the nonprofit facility’s doors. A family practice clinic will continue providing services, the authority said.

The decision on the Folkston facility followed closings of Richland and Arlington hospitals earlier this year.

“The hospital has been experiencing financial problems for a number of years,’’ Charlton Memorial CEO H.D. Cannington told GHN on Monday. The facility, he added, “has a tremendous amount of indigent care.’’