ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Mount Zion Baptist normally holds bible study on Wednesday nights, but Jan. 28, they hosted Phoebe Putney’s CEO, Scott Steiner. Church and community members seized the opportunity to take their questions and concerns about health care in Albany and at Phoebe Putney Health System straight to the top.

The session was moderated by Mt. Zion Pastor Daniel Simmons. Community members spoke openly about their experiences at Phoebe, and while the goal was to foster constructive dialogue, the conversation grew heated at times, revealing the depth of community frustration. Discussed were topics like charity care; E.R. efficiency; staffing shortages and retention; cost and quality of care; and community responsibility.

A pediatrician, who spoke directly about community responsibility, caused some controversy during the meeting. Phoebe’s P.R. Director said that doctor is not associated with Phoebe.

Overall quality of care

Charity care

Treatment of patients

Staffing shortages and retention

Duty of care

Emergency Room efficiency

Community health outcomes

Steiner answered questions for almost two hours. He also discussed a second phase of emergency room expansion that he said will add more treatment areas and better privacy. He also apologized for personal experiences shared by community members.

“You know, what I can say is, if we get your information, I would personally look into it, but that’s not okay. You’re not going to hear me defend that. That’s not okay. We can absolutely do better. We have to do better. Your mom and you and your family deserve better. I’m sorry for that.”

Community members who didn’t get their questions answered were able to leave cards with their concerns. Phoebe officials said they will reach out to those individuals by next week.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2026 WALB. All rights reserved.