Sanitation wasn't the only issue plaguing a Georgia prison hospital. In fear for their lives, two nurses quit shortly after being hired, records obtained by The Atlanta Journal Constitution say.

But when state officials were notified “on numerous occasions,” nothing substantial was done, one email says. “A collaborative…plan of action is decided upon and implemented; but lack of consistency is soon noted by staff and inmates,” state officials were told.

Is that one of the reasons behind the latest change at the facility? The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's subscriber website, myAJC.com, has the latest developments from an ongoing investigation.

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With the closure of the labor and delivery unit in St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia, expectant mothers will instead be directed to deliver at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens, about 45 miles away.  (Photo Illustration / Getty Images)

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com