Two Midstate Hospitals Win Statewide Patient Safety Awards

Medical Center of Peach County, Monroe County Hospital Honored as Top in State

The Georgia Hospital Association Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA) has presented its prestigious Patient Safety and Quality Award to two midstate hospitals – Medical Center of Peach County, Navicent Health in Byron and Monroe County Hospital, Navicent Health Partner in Forsyth. These annual awards recognize Georgia healthcare organizations for achievement in reducing the risk of medical errors and improving patient safety and medical outcomes.

Monroe County Hospital, Navicent Health Partner won second place in the Critical Access Hospital Category for its project, “How to Tackle and Decrease Hospital Emergency Department Patients that Leave Without Treatment.” The project improved care in the emergency department (ED) by streamlining and improving the process by which patients are seen in the ED.

“When illness and injury occur, Monroe County Hospital is here for our community. We want every experience with our emergency department to be outstanding and have taken measurable steps to reduce wait times and ensure quick access to care, reducing the percentage of patients who leave without treatment,” said Lorraine Smith, CEO of Monroe County Hospital, Navicent Health Partner.

Medical Center of Peach County, Navicent Health won third place in the same category for its project, “Persistence in the Pandemic: Maintaining Zero Hospital-Associated Infections.” The project helped the hospital maintain its status of zero hospital-acquired infections during the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Hospital safety has always been important to us at Medical Center of Peach County. Now, in the midst of a global pandemic, it is more crucial than ever to ensure we maintain zero hospital-associated infections. We have worked diligently to ensure that we stay focused to prevent any hospital associated infections,” said Laura Gentry, CEO of Medical Center of Peach County.

“Hospitals are diligently working to ensure the safety of their patients, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Georgia Hospital Association President and CEO Earl Rogers. “We applaud Monroe County Hospital and the Medical Center of Peach County for their successes and for making critical progress in patient safety while ensuring the best and safest care possible for patients.”

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 to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally-recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.navicenthealth.org.

About PHA

The Partnership for Health and Accountability (PHA), an affiliate of GHA, was established in January 2000 to improve patient care and patient safety in hospitals and other health care facilities and create healthy communities.

About GHA