Senators Renee Unterman (R-Buford) and Don Balfour (R-Gwinnett) applauded the decision by Piedmont Hospital to drop their lawsuit which aimed to reverse the state’s approval of Gwinnett Medical Center’s open-heart surgery program.

"We are thrilled that Piedmont Hospital has chosen to do the right thing for the citizens of Gwinnett and for the medical community of Atlanta,” said Sen. Unterman. “It is my sincere hope that Emory will realize the lasting benefits of a cardiac program at the Gwinnett Medical Center and will follow suit by dropping their appeal."

Piedmont chose to accept the decisions made by the Department of Community Health and DCH Commissioner Rhonda Meadows by withdrawing their petition for judicial review in Fulton County Superior Court. Emory Hospital, who filled a similar suit, still remains active in their fight to block the open-heart surgery program in Gwinnett.

Sen. Balfour, a vocal proponent of Gwinnett Medical Center’s cardiac center, applauded the work done by Senator Unterman to assure the success of the program.

"Renee has been a great asset in this fight and a true champion of the Gwinnett Medical Center," said Sen. Balfour. "It is largely because of her passion and commitment that the citizens of Gwinnett will receive this exceptional and convenient cardiac care."

Click here to view this article online from the September 2009 Gwinnett Business Journal.