The Georgia State Legislature Commends Piedmont Mountainside Hospital

Jasper, GA (April 16, 2007) -- House Resolution 636 passed last week congratulating Piedmont Mountainside Hospital and its president and CEO, Ed Lovern, for being named Hospital of the Year and Hospital CEO of the Year for 2006 and recognizing their many contributions to the healthcare of Georgia´s residents. 

The resolution, sponsored by Representative Tom Graves of the 12th District, commends Piedmont Mountainside Hospital (PMH) for the significant progress it has made in two short years toward its goal of becoming one of the best small hospitals in the country.  In addition to being named 2006 Hospital of the Year, Piedmont Mountainside Hospital was named among the nation's 25 Most Improved in the 2006 Hospitals & Health Networks´ Most Wired survey. 

The resolution recognizes several key initiatives and accomplishments at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, including:

• The hospital increased its staff from 264 to 339 employees, added more than 65 physicians to its medical staff, and increased overall physician satisfaction from 77 percent in 2004 to 93 percent in 2005 and overall employee satisfaction from 17 percent to 98 percent.
• Number of births increased from 171 in 2004 to 274 in 2006, and number of surgeries, from 1,450 to more than 1,900.
• A new series of community education programs was launched, including its successful "Dessert and Discussion with the Doctor" which attracts more than 130 people each month.
• The hospital has demonstrated a vision for a true community hospital and has shared that vision with staff and physicians, leading to the creation of a community medical clinic that was founded by volunteers to provide primary care to uninsured county residents.
• Piedmont Mountainside Hospital's economic contribution is approximately $65 million annually.

"Piedmont Mountainside Hospital services have continued to expand with the growing community need.  I am proud to be part of such an outstanding organization and applaud the accomplishments of CEO Ed Lovern, his leadership team, and the entire staff," said Gregory A. Hurst, chairman of the Board of Directors of PMH and Piedmont Healthcare COO. 

To learn more about Piedmont Mountainside Hospital, please call 706-301-5300.