COVINGTON, Ga. - Piedmont Newton Hospital has been recognized by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals as the 2018 Small Hospital of the Year. The award was presented on Oct. 11 to Eric Bour, M.D., chief executive officer of Piedmont Newton Hospital, during the association’s annual meeting at Lake Oconee.
“Hearing them announce Piedmont Newton as the winner was a big surprise – but a great and deserved one," Bour said. “It is a true testament to the entire team at Piedmont Newton.”
The hospital was recognized for the outstanding work accomplished in enhancing and expanding critical healthcare services, improving access for indigent populations, and its support of economic development in the region. Examples include:
- A $9.5 million expansion of the Emergency Department to increase the triage area, increase the number of patient treatment rooms and expand the nurses’ stations within the department.
- The introduction of pulmonary rehabilitation services to the community. The program, which launched in the spring of this year, provides supervised exercise and education for patients with lung diseases.
- Taking an innovative approach to community outreach by hosting an annual free “drive-thru” flu shot clinic. Community members are able to receive a flu shot without having to leave their vehicles.
- Offering services to women diagnosed with cancer through the Hope Boutique. The boutique provides wigs, prostheses, turbans, drain bags, protective pillows and access to resources and services at no cost to the patient.
- Supporting Willing Helpers Medical Clinic, a free clinic serving more than 3,000 patients in the community.
- The contribution of more than $36 million to local and state economies.
For more information on Piedmont Newton Hospital, visit piedmont.org.
