Hamilton Medical Center, flagship of Hamilton Health Care System, was recently granted the Certificate of Need (CON) to develop an open heart surgery program by Georgia’s Department of Community Health (DCH).

Lamar Lyle, president and CEO of Lyle Industries and chair of Hamilton Health Care System’s Board of Trustees, found himself in the unenviable position of being a heart patient in 2011. He shared his thoughts on what the new open heart surgery program will mean for the community and for heart patients like him:

“Through the decades, I’ve served in many roles with Hamilton’s Boards of Trustees, to include Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, Royal Oaks, and chair of the Hamilton Health Care System Board of Trustees. In 2011, I had heart issues and personally experienced what it is like to travel for heart care. It is a very difficult experience for family caring for loved ones and it makes it difficult for the patient to receive care and ongoing follow-up. I am very pleased to see this opportunity for our community and for the many patients and families that struggle with receiving care so far away from their home and their loved ones. I am excited to see open heart surgery becoming available right here at home for so many who need this level of care.”

Richard C. Morrison, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon in Chattanooga, who has performed a significant number of open heart surgeries for residents of the Northwest Georgia region and who is working with Hamilton to develop the open heart program, stated in his letter to the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) during the CON process:

“The new comprehensive cardiac program at Hamilton will provide the quality and continuity of care that patients and families of Northwest Georgia expect and deserve. Right now, they have to travel long, time-consuming, and many times congested distances across state lines to receive these services. By providing an extensive range of cardiac-related services, all located in Dalton, Hamilton will improve the access and quality of cardiac services available to residents of Northwest Georgia. In doing so, it will prevent these patients from traveling long distances to receive sophisticated cardiac care with an expected reduction in high cardiac mortality and morbidity rates seen in this high-risk population. Additionally, as a Level II Trauma Center with Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery capabilities, Hamilton will be able to treat both cardiac and thoracic trauma patients.”

In response to the recent DCH decision granting the CON, Morrison commented:

“Having practiced cardiac surgery in this region for over 30 years, I am very excited that Hamilton Medical Center was able to obtain approval to build an open heart surgery program. This will give Hamilton Medical Center the ability to create a comprehensive cardiovascular program at an elite level. I look forward to building this program with Hamilton Medical Center, which will be a great benefit for the residents of North Georgia and surrounding regions.”

Robert Chandler, chair of the Hamilton Medical Center Board of Trustees, explained the broader impact of being granted the CON. “Hamilton has long been a great community hospital and is maturing to a regional healthcare center for the entire Northwest Georgia region.” Chandler continued, “The halo effect of having an open heart surgery program benefits the community through a wide range of additional services the hospital will be able to provide, but it goes beyond that. There is a tremendous economic benefit to the region as well.”

As Morrison’s DCH letter stated, and as Chandler referenced, there is a halo effect for a health system and a community that is operating at this very high level of care, and now these services will soon be available here in the community so that patients and their families do not have to travel. An example of this expanded service opportunity would be the ability for Hamilton’s oncology services to do lung surgeries in treating certain types of cancer.

Additionally, an open heart program will increase access to care as more and more physicians are seeking health systems that offer these types of advanced treatments. According to Hamilton Physician Group cardiologist Stephen D. Rohn, MD, “An open heart surgery program will allow us to recruit physicians in cardiology and other competitive specialties that might not have otherwise considered moving to this area. This advantage will bring greater access to care to the community and to the entire Northwest Georgia region.”

In the last five years alone, Hamilton has recruited more than 60 physicians and now has more than 280 physicians on medical staff with expertise in more than 40 specialties. The ability to bring even more specialists and experts to Dalton and the surrounding community would increase access to care for families in the community as well have a significant economic impact to the region.

Hamilton has long been a community partner, not only in providing for the healthcare needs of our community, but also as an employer and as an economic partner. A new open heart surgery program is expected to bring more jobs to the community with the addition of physicians, surgeons and surgical staff to support the program. Rob Bradham, president and CEO of the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce commented, “Hamilton Health Care System has long been one of our community’s most important economic engines. The addition of the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute, along with the upcoming opening of the Peeples Cancer Institute, are the most recent examples of the tremendous economic impact Hamilton has in Northwest Georgia. Those projects, along with the recent approval of open heart surgery, makes Hamilton a true regional center of excellence that drives the entire region’s economy.”

Local legislators also voiced their excitement over the decision from DCH to grant the CON. Representative Kasey Carpenter echoed Bradham’s comments:

“This is a huge win for the health of our community and the economy of the entire region. Hamilton is an economic driver of our community, and they continue to invest in programs and growth throughout Northwest Georgia. Thanks to Jeff Myers and the entire staff at Hamilton Health Care System for fighting to provide the finest care for our citizens and investing in Northwest Georgia. This, my friends, is a huge victory for our community. 

Senator Chuck Payne stated:

“This is the result of a wonderful collaboration of many people working together to better serve the interests and needs of Northwest Georgians. From local efforts of those at Hamilton Medical Center and others in Dalton, to Governor Brian Kemp permitting us his time to hear the ring of hope in our voices as we made our case for such a need, it truly is a testament to what can be accomplished when we’re all working together. It truly is all part of the ‘Dalton difference.’” 

Representative Jason Ridley expressed his gratitude to Governor Kemp and to the Georgia First Committee for their assistance in bringing this much-needed service to the region. “This is another example of Governor Kemp putting Georgians first. Having open heart surgery at Hamilton is great for the community and allows people to stay at home with their loved ones.”

Jeff Myers, president and CEO of Hamilton Health Care System, expressed his gratitude to all who have pulled together to bring open heart surgery to the community, and he explained his early vision and the importance of establishing several foundational services that provide the necessary components for or enhance Hamilton’s ability to provide open heart surgery.

“The path to being granted the Certificate of Need to develop an open heart program is not just a Hamilton effort. This was an effort by the entire community, and everyone really rallied together around treatment for cardiac disease and improving the health of the community – and the Northwest Georgia region. Hamilton’s path to open heart surgery goes back to the very beginning when the hospital first opened in 1921, providing care when it was needed in a region that was underserved. Even in the 1960s when Hamilton was the first hospital in the state of Georgia to open a Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), it was on the cutting edge of healthcare innovation in Georgia. Now, with the addition of intensivists providing specialized, critical care management in our ICUs, and the addition of advanced technology such as the PrisMax continuous renal therapy system, which we are first in the nation to use, Hamilton continues to lead the way for healthcare in our region.

For far too long, we have watched our friends, family and loved ones suffer from chronic diseases, especially heart disease. Without this level of care, patients and their families have had to drive often an hour or more for care. Bringing open heart surgery to this region allows patients to not only be close to home, but their physicians are able to better coordinate their care – physicians who know them, who have cared for them, and who know their medical histories. This coordination of care cannot be overstated. It has significant impact on how well a patient recovers after surgery, and it can minimize the occurrence and impact of complications, especially for patients with multiple health conditions, which is common with those suffering from heart disease.

At the end of the day, we are here to serve our patients and their families. Everything we do is to improve their care and the health and well-being of those we serve. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve our community and our region in this new and exciting way.”

According to Sandy McKenzie, executive vice president and chief operating officer, “Now that approval has been granted for the CON, development of the open heart surgery program will involve many stakeholders – patients first and foremost.” McKenzie emphasized, “When we start the program, it will be with the right team, at the right time, at the right place, doing the right things. From day one, from the first surgery, Hamilton will provide the highest quality of cardiac care for our patients and compassionate support for their families and loved ones.”

With an ever-increasing growth rate of cardiovascular disease in the region, including an extremely high mortality rate for cardiovascular disease that surpasses state and national averages, having this service available in the local community has the potential to save lives and better the health of friends, families and neighbors. Death rates related to heart disease for Hamilton’s service area are 25 percent higher than the national rate and 44 percent higher than the statewide rate. Beyond these startling numbers, the service area suffers from an extremely high proportion of chronic diseases, many of which lead to heart disease. Also, the population is significantly older than many areas of the state and continues to age at a rate faster than the average for the state of Georgia. Nearly 20 percent of Hamilton’s service area population is expected to be 65 years of age and older by 2022, compared with less than 16 percent for Georgia overall. Combined with the region’s high rate of poverty and a high population of adult, non-Medicare residents who are uninsured, many struggle financially and physically to meet just the basic needs for daily life.

Hamilton’s service area includes more than 400,000 adults, and its service area population of adults 65 years of age and older requires open-heart surgery 2.7 times more frequently than adults ages 15 to 64. The service area population ages 65 and older is projected to grow nearly 4 times faster than the overall adult population. As a result, an even greater need for open-heart surgery services is expected in future years.

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Clinical expansion will give region comprehensive heart care

Tanner Health System is moving ahead with its plans to establish an open-heart surgery program in Carrollton.

With open-heart surgery, residents will be able to receive services — like coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery — without having to travel out of the area. More than 200,000 CABG procedures are performed nationally each year.

“Building a comprehensive heart care program has been our goal for many years, and we’ve worked steadily toward it,” said Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner Health System. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in our region, and as a community healthcare organization, it’s our role to offer the services our neighbors need to have the best chance of surviving the disease.”

The health system earned state approval to expand its cardiac services, overcoming objections from other regional hospitals.

The expansion of services will require Tanner to build out a new operating suite at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton designed for the procedure, as well as recruit cardiothoracic surgeons to its medical staff to perform the surgeries. Additional staff — in both clinical and nonclinical roles — will also be needed for the program.

“Open-heart surgery is a hallmark of a major medical center,” said Benjamin Camp, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer for Tanner. “Rather than leaving our region for care, open-heart surgery will be a reason people are coming into west Georgia.”

The program will be the latest step in Tanner’s growing heart program. The health system began offering interventional cardiology, including angioplasty and stenting, at its Carrollton hospital in 2006. In 2008, it opened the four-story Tanner Heart and Vascular Center on the campus of Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton. Interventional heart services were expanded to Tanner Medical Center/Villa Rica in 2015.

Most recently, both hospitals earned accreditations as chest pain centers, with streamlined practices to ensure the fastest clinical response to heart attack treatment possible.

“Our community has a higher rate of cardiovascular disease than the rest of the nation,” said Shazib Khawaja, MD, a board-certified interventional cardiologist with Tanner Heart & Vascular Specialists and medical operations leader for Tanner Heart Care. “We’re addressing that with programs to prevent chronic disease, encourage more physical activity and healthier diets. But that doesn’t immediately reverse a trend that has been growing for decades.

“That’s why we must make sure that the most effective treatments are available close to home, especially when time is so critical in relation to outcomes,” Dr. Khawaja said.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Georgia, which ranks 38th among the states for the number of cardiovascular deaths. Counties primarily served by Tanner have higher age-adjusted death rates for major cardiac disease than the statewide rate and consistently have higher cardiovascular-related death rates than Georgia’s average.

“The availability of open-heart services in Carrollton is going to save lives in our region,” said State Sen. Mike Dugan, R-Carrollton. “Lack of healthcare services leads to higher mortality rates here than in more urban parts of our state. Rural citizens should not face a higher mortality rate for cardiovascular disease because of where they live, and the open-heart surgical program Tanner is establishing will help our neighbors have as good a shot at surviving heart disease as people in Atlanta or elsewhere.”

Christopher Arant, MD, also a board-certified interventional cardiologist with Tanner Heart & Vascular Specialists, said open-heart surgery gives doctors more options for treatment.

“This is not a service that’s been easy or convenient for people who live in our region,” said Dr. Arant. “Open-heart surgery can give people a new lease on life, but until now, having the procedure has been a huge hardship. Hospitals that offer it are far away in densely populated areas, and it requires a seven- to 10-day hospital stay after the surgery for recovery. That makes it difficult for families to visit their loved ones in the hospital and be engaged with their care. Now, we’re going to be able to give people that full range of cardiac services — including both open-heart surgery and more complex interventional cardiac procedures — right here in Carrollton.”

Tanner offers heart care services in Carrollton, Villa Rica, Bremen and in Wedowee, Alabama. More information on cardiac care at Tanner can be found at TannerHeartCare.org.

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Hamilton Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) recently received the 2019 Region 1 Emergency Medical Service of the Year Award. The award is given by Northwest Georgia Region 1 Emergency Medical Services System in recognition for an excellent record and contributions to the community.

Region 1 includes Bartow, Catoosa, Chattooga, Cherokee, Dade, Fannin, Floyd, Gilmer, Gordon, Haralson, Murray, Paulding, Pickens, Polk, Walker and Whitfield counties. HEMS also received the award in 1992, 1996 and 2005.

“HEMS has had the privilege of serving the citizens and visitors of Whitfield County since 1986, and for the past 33 years, we have taken pride in pursuing excellence and providing competent and compassionate patient care,” said Scott Radeker, director. 

As a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation, HEMS reports to a voluntary Board of Trustees and provides performance-based reports to the Whitfield County Quality Review Committee (QRC) bi-monthly.

HEMS provides exclusive 911 coverage for Whitfield County under a performance contract and also fully supports neighboring counties with mutual-aid. HEMS responded to approximately 17,525 calls for 2018.  The average response time for HEMS is seven minutes.

A system medical director is provided by HEMS for all emergency services in Whitfield County, including Dalton Fire Department, Whitfield County Fire – Rescue and Whitfield County E-911. This allows for an integrated, coordinated response to patient care, regardless of the agency.

HEMS provided 1,540 hours in community relations and event coverage in 2018.  HEMS is proactive in educating the public including hands only CPR classes, stroke awareness, chest pain awareness and safety for children.

Obtaining full, three-year Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) accreditation in 2018, HEMS became Georgia’s eighth EMS service to attain this distinction and Georgia’s only hospital-based EMS service to achieve the accreditation. 

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Lavonia, Ga. – October 4, 2019 – For the seventh year in a row, St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital will provide no-cost mammograms to uninsured women and raise awareness about breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

No-cost 3D mammograms will be provided to women in need at St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital, 367 Clear Creek Parkway, Lavonia, during the month of October. Appointments are required and will be scheduled on a first-call, first-served basis. To make an appointment, call St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital at 706.356.7808. The number of appointments available is limited.

To be eligible, women must be at least 40 years old, have no history of breast problems, be uninsured, have not received a mammogram in at least 12 months, be a resident of Franklin or Hart County, and have a primary care physician or health care provider to receive the results. Women who don’t have a primary care provider are urged to contact the Franklin County Health Department at 706.384.5575 or the Hart County Health Department at 706.376.5117.

Women receiving the no-cost mammograms will receive state-of-the-art 3D mammography, which has been shown to be about 40 percent more effective than 2D mammography in finding tumors. It also reduces the number of false alarms compared to 2D imaging.

Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in America, and about 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in their life. It takes a particularly high toll among African-American women.

The good news is that most women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital encourages women to get a mammogram once a year and perform a breast self-exam once a month. Talk to a doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family member has had breast or ovarian cancer.

For more information contact Lauren Papka at 706.356.7821.

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GAINESVILLE, Ga. – Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) is a partner of a statewide cancer research group that recently received substantial funding from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to help improve care for cancer patients.

The NCI awarded its Georgia-based Community Oncology Research Program – known as Georgia NCORP – a six-year, $11 million grant aimed at increasing enrollment and access to important clinical trials for Georgians.

NGMC is one of only five cancer programs – and the only one in Northeast Georgia – selected by the NCI to participate in the Georgia NCORP partnership based on its leadership and track record in community-based oncology research.

“We’re proud to be at the forefront of such important research, and to play a part in this integral work to help improve cancer care and access to clinical trials for patients throughout Georgia,” says Jayme Carrico, executive director of NGMC’s Cancer Services.

Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose or treat diseases. By participating in a cancer clinical trial, patients can directly contribute to cancer research, help in the development of improved cancer treatments and receive state-of-the-art care from cancer experts at chosen centers like NGMC.

“The National Cancer Institute created NCORP as a way to provide better access to cancer care – including cutting-edge treatment trials, precision medicine, symptom control, cancer prevention and research for the delivery of cancer care,” says Charles Nash III, MD, medical director of Cancer Services at NGMC and medical oncologist with Longstreet Clinic.

“Through NGMC’s work with Georgia NCORP, we are able to provide our cancer patients access to many high-profile, NCI-sponsored clinical trials,” adds Dr. Nash, who serves on the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education Board of Directors and is one of Georgia NCORP’s leading investigators.

Patients with cancer or increased risks of cancer in Georgia will have access to NCI-funded clinical trials through their cancer physicians at a participating NCORP network site. The NCORP network also gives community physicians the opportunity to collaborate with other NCI research bases and participating sites on the development of research studies that impact patients in their communities.

NGMC’s Cancer Services holds Gold-Level Accreditation with Commendation from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer. Additionally, the ACS awarded NGMC with the 2018 Outstanding Achievement Award – a recognition given to only one program in Georgia, and just 24 nationwide.

For more information about NGMC’s nationally recognized cancer services and physicians, visit www.nghs.com/cancer or call 770-219-8815.

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ATV Accidents, Falls from Stands, Snake Encounters Contribute to ER Visits Each Year

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures grow cooler, many Georgians are preparing for an autumn tradition – hunting season. Regardless of the game sought and the weapon of choice, physicians at Navicent Health encourage hunters of all ages to observe proper safety precautions to minimize risk of common hunting injuries.

“Living where we live, often whole families enjoy hunting as a fall pastime. While hunting can be fun, parents and children should take safety precautions, particularly with their weapons and their modes of transportation, and always be aware of their surroundings. Taking a little extra time to ensure safety can prevent potentially life-threatening injuries,” said John Wood, MD, Director of Emergency Care for The Medical Center, Navicent Health and Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health.

Physicians at Navicent Health’s emergency centers typically treat injuries during hunting season that fall into one of four categories – all terrain vehicle (ATV) accidents, accidents with weapons, falls from tree stands and encounters with snakes.

ATV Accidents

ATVs are quick, heavy, and usually travel on unpredictable paths. Minimize risk of accidents and injuries by following these tips:

• Wear proper safety gear, including a helmet, while operating an ATV.
• Choose an ATV that is appropriate for the rider’s size and age – adult ATVs are often too heavy and too fast for an adolescent to safely manage.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Avoid paved roads. ATVs are not intended for streets, and collisions with cars are possible.
• Never operate an ATV while consuming alcohol. 

Weapons Accidents

Whether hunting with a bow or a firearm, it is important to remember the following safety tips:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Do not place your finger on the trigger unless you are preparing to take a shot.
• Doublecheck to ensure the bullet’s caliber is appropriate for the firearm.
• Archers should identify a safe background before releasing an arrow. No skyline shots.
• Archers should fully secure arrows before moving, even if they are only repositioning for a better shot.

Stand Falls

Falls from tree stands are a leading cause of injury among hunters. If using a tree stand, bear the following in mind:

• Inspect the ladder steps and tree attachments prior to ascending the stand.
• If the stand is attached to a tree, inspect the tree prior to ascending the stand. The tree should be alive and healthy, without any visible rot or damage.
• Use a safety harness. Hook into the harness prior to leaving the ground and leave it attached until you return safely to the ground.
• Use a haul line to pull your unloaded weapon into the stand. Do not carry a firearm or bow into the stand or attach it to your body.
• Tell a friend or loved one where you will be, and when to expect you home. If an accident occurs, someone should know where to find you.

Avoiding Snake Bites

Forty snake species are found in Georgia, and of those, six types are venomous. Hunters who spend time outdoors will likely run into a snake from time to time. Follow these tips to avoid potentially life-threatening encounters:

• Wear bite-proof boots and chaps.
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Do not place your hands or feet into any area where you cannot see.
• If you encounter a snake, back away slowly. Do not approach or provoke the snake.
• If you or someone you love is bitten, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

In all instances, adults should always supervise younger hunters.

“While hunting can be a pleasant and enjoyable experience, it poses real risks. These risks can be avoided by taking a few simple measures. Adults should keep these safety tips in mind and train the next generation of hunters to do the same,” said Dennis W. Ashley, M.D., Director of Trauma Services at The Medical Center, Navicent Health.

If an accident or injury occurs, seek appropriate medical treatment. For emergency situations, call 911 or seek care at the nearest emergency center. Navicent Health offers emergency care at the following locations:

• Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health (888 Pine Street, Macon)
• The Medical Center, Navicent Health (770 Pine Street, Macon)
• Medical Center of Peach County (1960 Hwy 247 Connector, Byron)
• Navicent Health Baldwin (821 North Cobb Street, Milledgeville)
• Monroe County Hospital, Navicent Health Partner (88 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Forsyth)
• Putnam General Hospital, Navicent Health Partner (101 Greensboro Rd., Eatonton)

For non-life threatening injuries, visit your nearest urgent care provider. Navicent Health provides urgent care at three Macon-Bibb County locations. Visit ExpressVisit.org to check in at a Navicent Health urgent care center before you arrive.

About Navicent Health
Navicent Health, the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia, is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Providing more than 1,000 beds and offering care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region, Navicent Health provides care for healthcare consumers’ through an academic medical center; community, pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals; urgent care centers; physician practices; diagnostic centers; home health; hospice and palliative care; and a life plan community. Navicent Health is dedicated enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally-recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visitwww.navicenthealth.org.

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Jesup – Two events in the main lobby of Wayne Memorial will highlight the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness next month. On Wednesday, October 9 and Wednesday, October 16, hospital associates will staff the breast cancer education booth in the lobby from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information about breast cancer, giveaways and pink refreshments will be provided. The public is welcome to stop by and may register for one of two free mammograms to be given away during the month.

Wayne Memorial Hospital, whose mission is to provide high quality health care services to all patients, built a state-of-the-art facility in 2007. It is the third largest employer in Wayne County with 500 employees, 84 beds and is a two-time winner of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals Small Hospital of the Year Award.

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GREENSBORO, Ga. – September 25, 2019 – At an event that brought together dozens of community supporters, the St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation recently launched a $3 million capital campaign to raise funds for a state-of-the-art CT scanner, permanent MRI system, a dedicated cardiac stress lab, and a 2,200-square-foot expansion to house them.

The Expanding Technology, Elevating Care Campaign seeks to address the sobering reality that cardiovascular disease is the number one health issue in Greene, Putnam, Hancock, Morgan and Taliaferro counties. Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke and coronary artery disease accounted for 31.1 percent of deaths in these counties from 2015-2017, more than any other cause.

“Since the day St. Mary’s acquired the hospital in 2012, our goal has been to keep high-quality health care local,” said Good Samaritan President Tanya Adcock. “This campaign will make it possible for us to provide a wide range of enhanced cardiac, stroke and imaging services right here that patients currently have to travel to Atlanta or Augusta to receive.”

“The greater Greene County and Lake Oconee communities have consistently made it possible for St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital to offer services that are extraordinary for a small rural hospital,” said Ansley Martin, foundation director. “It’s because of the incredible generosity of the people here that Good Sam can offer these services. Response to this new campaign is already outstanding. We are confident we can reach our goal, and deeply thankful for the support of so many wonderful people and businesses.”

Adcock noted that the expansion is needed to meet increasing patient volumes. “We anticipated a high rate of growth when we built this hospital in 2013, but the reality has outpaced our most optimistic expectations,” she said. “That’s a wonderful problem to have, but it also means it’s time for our first expansion so that we can continue to meet our community’s growing needs.”

A major part of that growth is in cardiac services. The addition of cardiologist John Layher, MD, of Oconee Heart and Vascular Center full-time to the community has enabled Good Sam to provide inpatient care to more local residents who have cardiac complications. Expanding cardiac diagnostic services at Good Sam will provide him and other area cardiologists with the vital diagnostic tools they need to serve more patients locally.

Specifically, the campaign is raising funds for:

• 320-slice CT system. This state-of-the art system will replace the current 64-slice scanner. It will create more detailed images of the inside of the body faster. The system is so fast, it can capture images of the inside of the heart’s arteries in a single heartbeat. It’s also a more powerful tool in diagnosing stroke and deciding the best treatment option for emergency stroke patients.
• 16 Channel MRI system. Good Sam currently uses a mobile, 8-channel MRI that is available only during normal working hours. Being a mobile unit, patients must leave the climate-controlled building to reach it. The new system will create better images faster, will be housed in an addition to the building, and will have a wider “tube” to increase patient comfort. MRI is especially useful for orthopedic, heart, brain, spine and abdominal imaging without the use of ionizing radiation. Another advantage: by owning and staffing the MRI system itself, Good Sam will have the option to expand service hours as patient volumes continue to grow.
• Cardiac Stress Lab. Currently, Good Sam’s cardiac stress lab is housed in the nuclear medicine room, which limits scheduling for both types of procedures. The new lab will provide separate space for a treadmill, EKG monitoring system, patient stretcher and workroom, allowing Good Sam to schedule twice as many patients for cardiac stress tests and nuclear medicine studies.
• New construction. To accommodate the MRI system and Cardiac Stress Lab, Good Sam will enclose a breezeway and add new rooms to create a 2,200-square-foot addition to the back of the hospital. A major benefit of this expansion is that patients will be able to access the MRI unit without being exposed to the elements.

“Back in 2013, our community raised $8 million to help make Good Sam the most outstanding small hospital in the state,” Adcock said. “We are eternally grateful. More importantly, that generosity has more than paid for itself in lives saved and improved because of the additional capabilities it allowed us to provide. We are confident our community will come through again so that Good Sam can continue to grow and meet the needs of those we serve for years to come.”

To learn more or make a donation, please contact Ansley Martin, Foundation Director, at 706.389.3926. All donations to St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Foundation benefit Good Sam and are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

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Wayne Memorial Hospital and the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia bring robotic-arm assisted total knee replacements to rural Georgia with the addition of Stryker’s Mako System. This highly advanced robotic technology transforms the way joint replacement surgery is performed, enabling surgeons to have a more predictable surgical experience with increased accuracy.

The demand for joint replacements is expected to rise in the next decade. Total knee replacements in the United States are estimated to increase by 673 percent by 2030.

“With Mako, we can provide each patient with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy,” said Dr. J. Matthew Valosen of the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia. “Using a virtual 3D model, Mako allows surgeons to create each patient’s surgical plan pre-operatively before entering the operating room. During surgery, we can validate that plan and make any necessary adjustments while guiding the robotic-arm to execute that plan. It’s exciting to be able to offer this transformative technology across the joint replacement service line to perform total knee replacements.”

The Mako Total Knee application is a knee replacement treatment option designed to relieve the pain caused by joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis. Through CT-based 3D modeling of bone anatomy, surgeons can use the Mako System to create a personalized surgical plan and identify the implant size, orientation and alignment based on each patient’s unique anatomy. The Mako System also enables surgeons to virtually modify the surgical plan intra-operatively and assists the surgeon in executing bone resections.

“We are proud to offer this highly advanced robotic technology in our area.  Our patients no longer have to travel to access the latest medical advancements,” said Dr. Jay Cook of the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia.  “The addition of Mako to our orthopaedic service line further demonstrates our commitment to provide the community with outstanding healthcare,” added hospital CEO Joe Ierardi.

The Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia provides comprehensive orthopaedic care using the most technologically advanced equipment.  Featuring on-site x-ray services, open MRIs accredited by the American College of Radiology, and eight healthcare providers, BJI serves over 18 Southeast Georgia counties with offices in Jesup, Baxley, Hinesville, and Waycross.

Wayne Memorial Hospital, whose mission is to provide high quality health care services to all patients, built a state-of-the-art facility in 2007. It is the third largest employer in Wayne County with 500 employees, 84 beds and is a two-time winner of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals Small Hospital of the Year Award.

Image 1: Drs. Valosen (left) and Cook (right) inside one of the Operating Rooms at Wayne Memorial with the MAKO robotic knee system

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Southeast Georgia Health System hosted a topping off ceremony on Friday, Sept. 20, to celebrate the structural phase completion of its new surgical services and inpatient tower. Following a brief ceremony, a white steel beam, adorned with an American flag, a small evergreen tree and hundreds of signatures, was lifted into place at the top of the new Inpatient Tower.

A topping off, or sometimes called a topping out, ceremony has European origins but is also part of American construction and building culture. Originally, structures were created out of timber and the last beam added was adorned with a small tree. The tree symbolized the structure going up without a loss of life and is a symbol of good luck for future occupants.

A modern topping off also includes an American flag—a tradition that dates back to 1919 and started by U.S. steel ironworkers during the “American Plan Period,” showing loyalty to flag and country. The steel beam is usually painted white and includes the signatures of the construction workers and those attending the ceremony. Its white color symbolizes the skilled craftsmanship and labor to create the beam and construct a building.

“Today’s event represents a major milestone of our Master Renovation and Expansion Project, which remains on schedule to receive our first patients in the fall of 2021,” said Michael D. Scherneck, president & CEO. “I would like to thank our medical staff, team members, volunteers and donors for sharing our vision of being the region’s health care provider and employer of choice. And I am especially grateful for the foresight and support provided by the Glynn-Brunswick Memorial Hospital Authority and the Southeast Georgia Health System, Inc. board of directors. It takes bold leadership on their part to address the needs of today and to balance that with the long-term needs of our community.”

The Health System began the $140 million Master Renovation and Expansion Project of its Brunswick Campus in 2018. With more than 70,000 square feet of new construction and more than 100,000 square feet of renovations, the project will help to ensure the Brunswick hospital can continue to meet health care needs as the communities it serves grow and patient volumes increase.

“We’ve seen dramatic growth in patient volumes in recent years, and we’re dedicated to providing the services our communities need,” said Robert C. Turner, chair of the Southeast Georgia Health System, Inc. Board of Directors. “State of the art facilities like this are clearly what’s needed. And, along with the construction happening now, new advanced technologies and treatments will expand the services we currently offer.”

In addition to a new patient entry canopy, the expansion of the Emergency Care Center (ECC) will add 15 exam and treatment rooms for a total of 50, including two trauma rooms. To accommodate the new rooms, the ECC will expand by more than 12,000 square feet. Renovations to the remaining 22,900 square feet will provide better patient and staff flow.

“Our sincere appreciation to the Thomas & Mildred Beach Trust for their generous gift of $4.7 million to help pay for the enhancements to the Emergency Care Center,” said Scherneck.

The expansion of the second floor (overlooking Parkwood Drive) will accommodate the new Surgical Services Tower, with 16 new operating rooms, endoscopy suites, a post-anesthesia care unit, and pre- and post- recovery bays. The existing Surgery Department renovations will accommodate new Central Sterile Processing and support areas.

The new inpatient floor will include 32 private, spacious patient rooms, each of which will include a window. Patient room design features will maximize privacy for the patient and family, visually and acoustically, and promote patient independence. Nursing station designs will minimize travel distances between rooms, increase observation/visual control and improve communication.

The project also includes plans to renovate many of the existing inpatient rooms on the St. Simons Tower to increase space, comfort and privacy.

To accommodate the increased square footage and additional patient care services areas, more energy efficient upgrades to the Central Energy Plant and a new mechanical penthouse are included in the expansion. Entrances and parking will be updated as well, including a new main entry to the Health System, a two-story lobby and covered parking at the Parkwood Drive entrance.

“Southeast Georgia Health System has transformed in the last 25 years into one of the best health care systems in the state, and this project is the next step in that evolution, really a revolution, of building one of the finest hospitals in Georgia,” said Valerie A. Hepburn, Ph.D., chair of the Glynn-Brunswick Memorial Hospital Authority. “A health care system is the center of economic development and prosperity in a community. You don’t attract new businesses, you don’t attract retirees, you don’t retain and grow organizations without a great health care system. So we’re central to what makes Glynn County and Brunswick, and our neighbors in Camden, Brantley, Charlton, McIntosh and Wayne, really thrive.”

The Master Renovation and Expansion Project is possible through tax-exempt revenue bonds and the generosity of donors. In addition to the Thomas & Mildred Beach Trust $4.7 million to help pay for the ECC expansion, the Health System Foundation committed $4 million to the project and is conducting a 20-20 Vision Campaign with a goal of raising an additional $4 million, for a total of $8 million. To date, more than $5 million has been raised, which includes a $500,000 donation from the Health System’s Volunteer Services.

“We’re really excited about the future of our health system,” Scherneck said. “This project is an example of our commitment to meeting the future needs of our community.”

Scherneck added, “A special thank you to our construction team for working diligently day in and day out to minimize the level of disruptions and noise that our patients experience. Their accomplishments are noteworthy, particularly in light of the interruption caused by Hurricane Dorian. And I would also like to thank them for maintaining appearance of the worksite and being respectful of our neighbors.”

For more information about the 20-20 Vision Campaign, visit //sghs.org/give or wearethefoundation.org, or call 912-466-3360.

About Southeast Georgia Health System
Southeast Georgia Health System is a not-for-profit health system comprised of two acute care hospitals, two long term care facilities, three immediate care centers, five family medicine centers and numerous employed physician practices. The Health System has multiple outpatient specialty care centers, including the only CyberKnife^® Program in the region and one of only four in Georgia, and a Cancer Care Center accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. For more information, call 855-ASK-SGHS (855-275-7447) or visit sghs.org.

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