News from Piedmont Mountainside Hospital

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Announces James C. Tankersley, M.D., Retirement

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

JASPER, Ga. (Jan. 25, 2012) - James C. Tankersley, M.D., has retired from Piedmont Mountainside Hospital January 1, 2012, after a career in pediatric medicine that spanned more than 50 years. Most recently, he served as a leader in the Women's Center and its nursery at Piedmont Mountainside. Dr. Tankersley is a board-certified neonatal medicine physician who has made a significant contribution to the health of newborn children in the North Georgia area.

Mike Robertson, president and CEO of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital and James C. Tankersley, M.D.

"This hospital and community have benefitted tremendously from the skill and the compassion that Dr. Tankersley has brought to our patients, especially the newest in our community," said Mike Robertson, president and CEO of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. "I know I am speaking for all of us at Piedmont Mountainside when I say we wish Dr. Tankerlsey and his wife the best in his retirement."

Dr. Tankersley and his wife will be taking some time to visit with family before moving to South America. The next stage in his contribution to pediatric medicine will be as a volunteer at a medical clinic there.

For more information about Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, go to piedmontmountainsidehospital.org.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Adopts Electronic Medical Records Standards

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

JASPER, GA. (November 7, 2011)—Piedmont Mountainside Hospital has successfully implemented a new, computerized patient record and physician order entry (CPOE) system. Hundreds of physicians and clinicians have been trained to use the system, which can be accessed securely from the hospital, office or home. This system will greatly enhance the efficiency and safety of patient record handling and the physician ordering process.

“This effort is a continuation of Piedmont’s ongoing commitment to ensuring patient safety by combining tried and true safety practices with cutting-edge technology to provide patients with the safest hospital experience possible,” said Folsom C. Proctor, III, M.D., vice president medical affairs at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. “Our team will continue to utilize information technology to improve quality and patient care.”

The new system allows clinical reports such as lab reports and X-ray results to be electronically stored and accessed. Physicians and clinicians can access reports quickly and securely from any location to make recommendations on a patient’s care.

The new system allows Piedmont physicians and clinicians to enter test, medication and procedure orders directly into a computer. This technology will decrease the number of errors due to illegible handwriting, speed up the ordering process and generate alerts when conflicts between a doctor’s order and the patient’s medical background are detected.

For more information on Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, visit piedmontmountainside.org.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Honor Auxiliary Member With Flag Dedication

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

American flag from Billy Ledford’s memorial service to be flown during December.

JASPER, GA. (December 1, 2011) - Piedmont Mountainside Hospital plans to honor former Auxiliary member and Jasper, Ga. resident, Billy Ledford, by flying his memorial flag in front of the hospital December 1 to 31. A United States Navy veteran and active Auxiliary member, Ledford passed away July 9, 2011 at the age of 76. The flag was presented to Mr. Ledford’s wife, Donna Ledford, following military honors at his memorial service.

“This hospital and this community are forever grateful to the Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Auxiliary and dedication of individuals like Mr. Billy Ledford,” said Mike Robertson, president and CEO of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. “Flying his memorial flag at this hospital provides us the unique opportunity to honor his family while recognizing his service both to his country and his community.”

Mrs. Ledford would like to extend her gratitude to Tamin K. Kharrat, M.D.; Alexander Kessler, M.D.; Moiz V. Master, M.D.; Roberto F. Pereira, M.D.; all respiratory therapists at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital; all employees of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital and all members of the Piedmont Mountainside Auxiliary.

For more information about Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, go to piedmontmountainsidehospital.org.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Auxiliary Hosts Annual Love Lights Fundraiser

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

JASPER, GA. (November 22, 2011) - Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Auxiliary will host its annual Love Light Tree Ceremony in the hospital main lobby on November 30 at 5:30 p.m. The ceremony, which is open to the public, will feature a beautiful living tree that was planted in a permanent location in front of the hospital last year.

The Jasper Young Singers will perform and Santa will make his entrance to light the tree. After the lighting ceremony, children are invited to the cafeteria for light refreshments of cookies and hot cocoa.

As a not-for-profit facility, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital relies on the generosity of donors to expand the services it provides to the community. Last year, the December Love Light Tree Ceremony helped raise over $2,600 for a new courtesy cart to transport visitors to and from their vehicles. The event is an annual fundraiser sponsored by the Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Auxiliary, where Love Lights and Star Lights may be purchased in honor or memory of family members, friends, or loved ones.

For more information about Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, go to piedmontmountainsidehospital.org.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Wins Two National Awards For Excellence

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Press Ganey Associates recognizes hospital for patient, physician and employee satisfaction.

JASPER, GA. (November 15, 2011)—Press Ganey Associates Inc. has named Piedmont Mountainside Hospital a 2011 Partner of Choice and Best Place to Practice Award winner. The hospital first received the Partner of Choice award in 2010 and is one of only three Press Ganey client facilities in the nation to receive the award in 2011. Piedmont Mountainside Hospital is one of only six hospitals to receive the Best Place to Practice Award in 2011.

“At Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, quality care and patient safety are the foundations of the service we provide to the community,” said Mike Robertson, president and CEO of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. “Awards such as these acknowledge not only our accomplishments as a provider, but our success as an employer as well. We realize that patients have a choice when it comes to healthcare in North Georgia, and we are very thankful for the strong support we have from a community that trusts Piedmont for their healthcare needs.”

The Partner of Choice Award is reserved for clients who've achieved the seemingly unachievable—attaining scores in the 90th percentile or above in the last reporting period for patient, physician and employee satisfaction.

The Press Ganey Best Place to Practice Award is presented to Press Ganey clients reaching and sustaining the 95th percentile for their two most recent physician partnership reports within a 24-month period. The period in which data was considered was January 2009 to January 2011. To be eligible, clients must have received a 50 percent or higher response rate on their two most recent reports.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital attributes much of its success to its partnership with its physicians and ideas such as continued training for leaders and employees at all levels. Clearly-established goals are set, and patient satisfaction teams are dedicated to service areas throughout the hospital. By working closely with physicians to achieve service results, the hospital strives to sustain a culture of ownership and pride in the role it plays in the community.

In October, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital was named 2011 Small Hospital of the Year by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals for hospitals with 150 beds or less in the state of Georgia. In 2010, the hospital was one of five facilities in the country to receive the Partner of Choice Award. In 2007, the hospital was awarded a Press Ganey Compass Award for improvement in outpatient satisfaction scores.

Press Ganey currently partners with more than 10,000 healthcare facilities—including 50% of U.S. hospitals—to measure and improve the quality of their care. The company’s databases are the largest in the industry, and allow facilities nationwide to benchmark their results against peer organizations.

For more information on Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, visit piedmontmountainsidehospital.org. For more information on Press Ganey awards, visit pressganey.com.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Named 2011 Small Hospital of the Year

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals Honors Hospital for Outstanding Community Contributions

Greensboro, GA (October 14, 2011) – Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, of Jasper, GA was named 2011 Small Hospital of the Year by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals (the Alliance) at its 28th annual conference on October 14.

Piedmont was recognized for its demonstrated commitment to increasing access for underserved populations, as well as strong quality-of-life initiatives, community benefits and expansion of critical health care services to its surrounding community.

Piedmont Mountainside has expanded its services to add 24-hour emergency care, an intensive care unit, women’s services, and surgical and diagnostic services that were not previously available. From 2008 to 2011, inpatient admissions grew 17.5 percent and outpatient visits increased 48.5 percent. In order to support their expansion of services, this hospital has made it a priority to recruit top physicians to the area, recently adding 45 new physicians to its staff.

Its quality has been truly award-winning. It is one of only five hospitals, out of 10,000, to receive the 2010 Press Ganey “Partner of Choice” award and its CEO was featured in Modern Healthcare as one of the 2010 “Up & Comers.” This hospital provides easy access to the kind of award-winning medical care that every rural community would be lucky to have.

This hospital has made a huge impact in its community. Its staff has been partnering with community organizations, hosting county health fairs and community-focused activities that are intended to maximize scarce resources and encourage healthy behaviors in the community. They assist local schools in compliance with the state wellness policy and provide support to the local indigent care clinic and health department.

“The Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals is proud to recognize Piedmont Mountainside Hospital for its contributions to the Jasper community,” said Alliance President, Monty Veazey. “Our state’s not-for-profit hospitals are committed to improving the health of their communities and being able to draw special attention to the commitment, innovation and dedication is a tremendous honor for me.”

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital to Expand Emergency Services and Capacity

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

JASPER, Ga. (September 29, 2011)—Piedmont Healthcare, the parent company of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, plans to invest nearly $10.5 million in an emergency department expansion and surgery department expansion. The project, which would begin in July 2012, with completion scheduled for summer 2013, includes 24,417 square feet of new construction and 7,747 square feet of renovated existing space.

“According to the most recent U.S. Census, over the past decade, Pickens County has seen substantial growth above the national average,” said Mike Robertson, president and CEO of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. “This investment will help ensure that we have the capacity to care for the emergency care needs of our community.”

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital currently accommodates more than 20,000 emergency room visits on an annual basis. The proposed expansion and renovations will include adding six exam rooms in the emergency department, as well as four pre-op rooms and eight recovery rooms within the surgery department. The changes will enhance patient flow through the emergency department, surgical services department and the radiology department, thus increasing the efficiency of operation of the entire hospital.

For more information on Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, visit piedmontmountainside.org.

Piedmont Physicians Group Welcomes Nagamalar Raju, M.D.

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST

Jasper, Ga. (August 31, 2010) – Piedmont Physicians at Mountainside welcomes internist and sleep medicine specialist Nagamalar Raju, M.D., to a new location on the Piedmont Mountainside Hospital campus. Dr. Raju will be joining Carl McCurdy, M.D., and his practice at 1020 J.L. White Drive Jasper, Ga.

Nagamalar Raju, M.D.

“Piedmont is pleased to welcome Dr. Raju to Piedmont Physicians Group,” said Berney Crane, CEO of Piedmont Medical Care Corporation, the administrative parent corporation of the Piedmont Physicians Group. “Her background in internal medicine, in addition to her experience in sleep medicine, will help address a growing need for specialized health services in the community.”

Dr. Raju received her medical degree and did her internship at Coimbatore Medical College in Coimbatore, India and completed her residency at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa. Dr. Raju began her 13-year career as a resident medical officer at K.R. Hospital in Coimbatore, India, before making her way to Rahway, N.J., where she worked in internal medicine with a group practice and most recently was a sleep physician at Prime Heart Sleep Lab in Maplewood, N.J.

Board certified in internal medicine, Dr. Raju is a member of the American College of Physicians and the American Association of Sleep Medicine.

On top of her work as a physician, Dr. Raju also spent time teaching. For four years she taught medical students and interns at Stanley Medical College in Tami Nadu, India. She also spent four years teaching in the internal medicine department at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa.

Dr. Raju also has won the “State Rank” award from the government of Tami Nadu for outstanding performance in home science subjects during her higher secondary examination. In her spare time she spends time volunteering and is a member of organizations such as the National Cadet Corps and the National Social Service in India.

Dr. Raju accepts most major insurance plans. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call 706-692-2437. For more information, visit piedmontphysicians.org.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Introduces New Urology Practice

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST

Piedmont Physicians Urology to be located on Piedmont Mountainside Hospital campus.

JASPER, Ga. (August 26, 2011) – Piedmont Physicians Group welcomes urologist Edward Rojas, M.D. and Piedmont Physicians Urology to the Piedmont Mountainside Hospital campus. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Rojas comes most recently from Gordon Hospital, in Calhoun, Ga.

Edward Rojas, M.D.

“Dr. Rojas brings a great deal of experience to the Mountainside community,” said Berney Crane, President and CEO of Piedmont Medical Care Corporation, “The expansion of our services with specialists like Dr. Rojas is in response to a growing need for urological care closer to home.”

Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Rojas received his urology residency training at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb. Board certified in urology, with an emphasis in adult and pediatric urology and endourology, Dr. Rojas is an active member of the American Urological Association. Prior to joining Piedmont Physicians Urology, Dr. Rojas was in private practice for over twenty years, during where he pursued training in the latest prostate cancer treatment options including urologic laser surgery.

An active member of the communities he serves, Dr. Rojas enjoys volunteering as a social foster parent and helping underprivileged children with schooling.

Dr. Rojas speaks English and Spanish and accepts most major insurance plans. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, call 706-253-9020. For more information, visit piedmontphysicians.org.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Presented With Special Gift

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EST

JASPER, Ga. (June 28, 2011) – On Thursday, June 23, Captain Ramón Medina of the United States Army Reserve presented Piedmont Mountainside Hospital and Mountainside Anesthesia Consultants with a flag from his most recent tour in Afghanistan. A nurse anesthetist with both the hospital and the U.S. Army Reserve, Medina made the presentation as a token of his appreciation for the continued support of his civilian colleagues.

Captain Ramón Medina

This flag was brought on board a medical helicopter to the base where I was stationed in Afghanistan,” said Medina at the presentation with over 50 hospital employees and community members in attendance. “With it came two wounded soldiers who we helped recover. I am presenting this flag as a sign of gratitude for all the support that this hospital has given me and my fellow soldiers during our deployments.”

Medina keeps in touch with the two soldiers who were injured that day. While they recovered from their injuries, Medina added that over the years, some of his dear friends have not. He took a moment to remember eight of his fellow servicemen who gave their lives for their country.

“I love what I do in the Army because I am able to do the same thing I do here,” added Medina. “Thanks to the support of those in this community, I am able to serve my country the best way I know how—by helping patients.”

Rosmarie Spillane, M.D., Mountainside Anesthesia Consultants; Captain Ramón Medina (CRNA, Mountainside Anesthesia Consultants) and Mike Robertson, president and CEO of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital.

In addition to the flag dedication, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital employee, Frank Leist and retired United States Marine, Wayne Poore, gave details on the Marine Corps’ Operation Support-A-Hero program. The ongoing program allows citizens to send care packages to Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen serving overseas. For more information on how to become involved, contact Wayne Poore with the United States Marine Corps North Georgia Mountain Detachment at 706-692-2836.

“I’m not sure our thanks can ever be enough for the job that people like Captain Medina do for our community and our country,” said Mike Robertson, president and CEO of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. “We are humbled by this gesture and urge everyone to do what they can to support our friends and neighbors who serve in the United States Armed Forces.”

Local Brownie Troop Donates to Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Auxiliary

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EST

Cookie program brings smiles for young patients.

JASPER, Ga. (June 24, 2011) – Brownie Troop 10601 has done it again! After this year’s cookie sale the girls chose to donate 15% of their profits to Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Auxiliary, a donation equaling $185.00. This is an $85.00 increase from last year’s donation.

Brownie Troop 10601 - Skyler Haynes, Amberley Clark, McKenzie Grams, Nicole Patterson, Destiny Ray, Not pictured – Caroline Jordan

The Auxiliary at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital uses donations like these to provide young patients with stuffed animals and activity books to help reduce their fear of the hospital. Along with this service, the auxiliary also provides many other volunteer functions such as personal care packages for patients, shuttle rides from the parking lot and fundraising, to name a few.

“We truly appreciate donations like this from these young ladies who worked so hard to raise this money”, said Mike Robertson, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital chief executive officer and Honorary Auxiliary Member, who accepted the donation behalf of the auxiliary, “It makes everyone smile when children are the ones doing the donating. The fact that this is the second year this group of girls made the decision to donate to our hospital is a true sign of their generosity.”

For more information about Piedmont Mountainside Hospital visit piedmontmountainsidehospital.org.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Offers MRI Services

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EST

JASPER, Ga. (June 23, 2011) – Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Outpatient Center now offers magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as part of its comprehensive imaging services. MRI allows physicians to view areas inside the body with great accuracy; detecting problems within muscles, joints and other soft tissue. Piedmont Outpatient Center is located at 309 Highland Parkway in East Ellijay, Ga.

“This expansion of the Piedmont Outpatient Center helps us better serve our patients in North Georgia,” said Mike Robertson, president and CEO of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. “Rather than traveling out of their way to the hospital for advanced imaging services, most of the orders given by physicians can now be filled in a convenient outpatient setting.”

Piedmont Outpatient Center offers comprehensive radiology and imaging that includes bone densitometry, CT scan, digital mammography, echocardiography, routine X-Ray, ultrasound and MRI. Physicians often refer patients to the outpatient center model as it is quick and efficient for their patients.

For additional information on Piedmont Outpatient Center imaging services, or to schedule an appointment, call 706-635-1680. For information about MRI services at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, visit piedmontmountainside.org.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Raises Over $5,000 For Relay For Life

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

JASPER, Ga (May 23, 2011) —The Piedmont Outpatient Center has announced a total of $5,061 raised for Gilmer County Relay for Life this year. As a top sponsor for the annual event, the Piedmont Outpatient Center team hosted a luncheon at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital on April 8, a 5K Run For Relay event at Grace Christian School on April 30 and an ice cream social event at the hospital on May 6.

“Everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by cancer,” said Mike Robertson, president and CEO of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. “It is wonderful to see so many in the community come together and support the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life of Gilmer County. Until the day we can say that cancer no longer affects the lives of our friends, family and neighbors, we must all do our part to fight this disease. On behalf of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital and the Piedmont Outpatient Center in Gilmer, I would like to thank all of those who helped us make this year’s Relay for Life campaign a success.”

Also on May 6, 85 cancer survivors and caregivers were treated to dinner and a program by Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. The event took place at Cherry Log Christian Church and was catered by Main Street Catering by Kelly Bramlett. Complimentary photos were provided by K&T Photography. Door prizes were provided by Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, United Community Bank, Community & Southern Bank, Jeri’s Dress Shop, Shane’s Rib Shack, White Columns Restaurant, Interiors, Verizon, Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware of Ellijay, Ellijay Telephone Company, Spa Glisson, Talbot Dental Associates, Huff’s Drug, Candra Warren State Farm Insurance and Charlie’s Italian Restaurant.

For more information about Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, visit piedmontmountainsidehospital.org.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Celebrates Dedicated Healthcare Team

Mon, 9 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

National Nurses Week is May 6-12, National Hospital Week is May 8-14.

JASPER, Ga. (May 9, 2011) – In recognition of National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital would like the community to join them in recognizing nurses and healthcare workers for the outstanding care they provide to patients. Without the dedication of these highly trained professionals, Piedmont Mountainside would not be able to offer the top-tier care that it provides to its patients on a daily basis.

“It isn’t just hard work and good medicine that lets us deliver the personal care for which we are known,” said Mike Robertson, president and CEO of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. “At the end of the day, patients remember the compassion and kindness they receive from our employees, physicians, volunteers and nurses. This is a small, but meaningful way for the community to share our appreciation.”

National Nurses Week is celebrated every year between May 6th, which is National Nurses Day, and May 12th, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Nurses fill an essential need in healthcare of all types, ensuring patient comfort and continuity of care on a daily basis. The nurses of Mountainside are one of the driving forces behind our success as a hospital.

National Hospital Week is the largest healthcare celebration in the nation. It began in 1921 as a way to provide the public with more information about hospitals at a time when medicine was becoming more accessible to many. Today, most Americans have some experience with a hospital, whether in response to their own healthcare needs or those of a loved one. National Hospital Week has become a way to spotlight the quality care, innovative practices and cutting-edge technology available in many American hospitals.

To share your appreciation for your favorite nurse or caregiver, find Piedmont Mountainside Hospital on Facebook at facebook.com/PiedmontMountainsideHospital, become a fan, and thank a nurse or healthcare worker that has touched your life.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Generates $97 Million for Local Economy

Mon, 2 May 2011 00:00:00 EST

JASPER, Ga. (May 2, 2011)—In 2009, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital generated more than $97 million in revenue for the local economy according to a recent report by the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA), an increase over the prior year. The report also included the cost of uncompensated care at $3.4 million (not including unpaid costs of Medicaid and Medicare) during the same time period, and the hospital sustained more than 410 full-time jobs throughout the area.

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital had direct expenditures of over $39.3 million in 2009. When combined with an economic multiplier developed by the United States Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, the total economic impact of those expenditures was more than $97.2 million. This output multiplier considers the “ripple” effect of direct hospital expenditures on other sectors of the economy, such as medical supplies, durable medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. Economic multipliers are used to model the resulting impact of a change in one industry on the “circular flow” of spending within an economy as a whole.

“This GHA report shows that Piedmont Mountainside Hospital has a significant positive impact on our local economy,” said Mike Robertson, CEO of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. “We will continue to work hard to ensure the community has access to quality and affordable healthcare services.”

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital is a member of Piedmont Healthcare, a not-for-profit organization that also includes Piedmont Hospital, Piedmont Newnan Hospital and Piedmont Fayette Hospital. The same report showed that together, the four Piedmont hospitals generated $2.1 billion in revenue for the state economy with total direct expenditures of over $850.8 million. In addition, they provided over $28 million in total uncompensated care (not including unpaid costs of Medicaid and Medicare) and sustained 6,270 jobs throughout the state in 2009.

While Piedmont Healthcare member hospitals remain a major component of the state’s economic engine, the system’s leadership, like the rest of the Georgia hospital community, is concerned about a wide array of economic challenges that have made it increasingly difficult to meet the community’s healthcare needs - including a fast-growing uninsured or underinsured population and new state legislation. Presently, more than a third of all hospitals in Georgia are operating with negative margins.

“We are concerned with the current operating environment for hospitals,” said R. Timothy Stack, president and CEO of Piedmont Healthcare. “Piedmont Healthcare has been providing a vital service to the communities we serve for over a century, and the demand for care is growing. Healthcare is an excellent business opportunity for Georgia. However, plans for the future of the healthcare industry in this state are jeopardized with an increasing number of uninsured patients and a new tax burden on hospitals.”
According to Stack, state lawmakers must work to protect the state’s healthcare system with the same fervor employed for other initiatives like education and public utilities.

“The state healthcare system provides jobs and business opportunities even during difficult economic times,” said Stack. “Our hospitals are an integral part of our communities and are the foundation for quality of life. With the continued support of the community and our elected lawmakers, we have the ability to do what is necessary to protect our local healthcare systems and preserve access to healthcare for Georgia.”

For more information on Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, visit piedmontmountainside.org.