Bleckley County Memorial Hospital receives accolades

Bleckley County Memorial Hospital was named the “Hospital of the Year” at HomeTown Health’s annual conference earlier this month.

The selection is based on nominations and commitment to rural hospital improvement, according to a release from HomeTown Health. The hospital received an “unprecedented number of nominations” to receive the award. 

“Over the last ten years, this hospital has experienced a change that has been inspiring to watch,” said Sandy Sage, revenue cycle analyst at HomeTown Health, at the conference. “I have watched this hospital’s turnaround in real time, and it wasn’t easy. They have spent years focusing on really connecting with the community, their leadership visiting every patient, in every room, every day.”

HomeTown Health is a network for rural healthcare providers, hospitals and businesses that provides assistance to members’ operations through advocacy, education, business partner service indexing, industry conferences and strategic support. Over 70 hospitals across Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi — including Bleckley Memorial —  are members. 

“This hospital epitomizes what hospitals are intended to be – caring, professional and supportive,” one nomination said. “Whether the need is minor or significant, care is timely and thorough with concerned staff that share their knowledge, understanding and experience.”

Bleckley’s hospital, Sage said in her conference remarks, has experienced a turnaround in quality of care after being in a situation one could liken “to an attempt to turn the Titanic.”

Recent capital improvements to the facility include a new emergency room, remodeled patient rooms and ongoing improvements to the lobby and outpatient registration areas. 

“They have spent years focusing on really connecting with the community, their leadership visiting every patient, in every room, every day,” she said. “They have developed personal relationships and encouraged community involvement in many ways.”

Bleckley County Hospital is located at 145 Peacock St. in Cochran.