Unimpeachable Credentials
Trauma Milestone Achieved at SGMC Health
Car crash. Fall. Motorcycle accident. Gunshot wound. Traumatic injury. When the worst happens, SGMC Health is prepared.
In June 2023, SGMC Health was designated as a Level III Trauma Center by the Georgia Department of Public Health. This significant milestone was more than two years in the making. It signifies SGMC Health's enhanced capabilities to provide comprehensive and specialized care to patients with traumatic injuries.
As a designated trauma center, SGMC Health has met rigorous standards and demonstrated the ability to deliver specialized trauma care services promptly and effectively. This designation is a testament to the health system's commitment to providing the highest level of care to patients in critical conditions, ensuring they receive the best chances for survival and recovery.
“We are very excited to be recognized as a Level III Trauma Center and to be a part of the Georgia Trauma System, a highly organized system of care that makes a tremendous difference in the lives of all in our state. This designation is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our remarkable physicians and staff,” said Mr. Dean.
A Level III Trauma Center is prepared to provide an advanced level of care to trauma patients before they even arrive at the hospital. The designation signifies organized care beginning with emergency medical services, fire, and law enforcement response, and continuing through every aspect of patient care. SGMC Health’s emergency department has undergone specialized training, developed protocol, and implemented necessary equipment for the immediate assessment, resuscitation, surgical intervention, and stabilization of injured patients.
SGMC Health is now one of 10 hospitals designated as a Level III Trauma Center in the state of Georgia. The closest trauma centers are 45 and 90 miles away, a significant distance in the case of time-sensitive trauma care. In addition, SGMC Health fills a needed gap for a trauma center along Interstate 75 in South Georgia. In 2023, more than 2,000 trauma patients were treated at SGMC Health, and nearly half of those required hospitalization.
Trauma Director Emily Brown, who has spearheaded the trauma designation effort, emphasizes that this is a tremendous accomplishment that will greatly benefit the residents of our communities and service areas.
“Our team has worked so hard to bring this program to our hometown hospital to better serve our patients and their families,” she shared. “We are excited about building and expanding trauma care for many years to come to meet our community’s needs.”
SGMC Health’s trauma program is equipped with 24/7 coverage by skilled surgeons and specialized staff to care for patients at a moment’s notice. This includes seamless collaboration with related departments such as imaging, laboratory, and surgery to provide safe and efficient care.
“The hard work of our entire hospital team, as well as the first responder agencies, was highlighted during our trauma survey,” said Jared Sanders, MD, Trauma Medical Director. “We are so grateful for the support of our hospital and our community.”
SGMC Health treats patients who have suffered traumatic injuries from car crashes, motorized vehicle accidents, falls, gunshot wounds, violence, and more. Trauma injuries represent the leading cause of death for people under 44 and the fourth leading cause of death for all ages.
SGMC Health’s trauma program also offers injury prevention education and community outreach, regularly collaborating with area first responders to offer emergency training initiatives.
To learn more, visit sgmc.org.
A Standard of Safety: Meet SGMC Health's HRO Champions
SGMC Health's transformation into a high reliability organization marks a significant milestone in its commitment to excellence and patient safety. Through rigorous implementation of protocols, continuous improvement initiatives, and a culture of accountability, SGMC Health has cultivated an environment where errors are minimized, and patient outcomes are optimized. By fostering open communication, empowering staff to speak up about potential issues, and prioritizing systematic processes, SGMC Health ensures that every aspect of its operations aligns with the highest standards of reliability and safety. This dedication not only enhances patient trust but also positions SGMC Health as a leader in the healthcare industry, setting a benchmark for excellence and inspiring others to follow suit.
Meet our HRO Champions who play a pivotal role in promoting and implementing the principles and practices of high reliability within our health system.
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Brittany Pych
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Christina Okuma
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Bryant Alonso
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Chantel Williams
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Kyle Romadka
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Bobbie Brooks
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Shug Pleas
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Geoff Hardy
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Kayla Turner
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Niki Tyre
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Marquez Roney
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Elijah Jones
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Brett Richardson
Brittany is a Women and Children's Nurse Educator at SGMC Health Main. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jacksonville University and is currently completing a Masters in Nursing Leadership at South University. She loves helping nurses grow in their knowledge and finds it extremely rewarding to witness them becoming more confident and competent healthcare professionals. As an HRO Champion supporting and continuing to build relationships with her fellow employees is very important to her.
Outside of work, she loves to travel, cook, spend time with her family, and run a small hobby farm which is home to goats, chickens, and peacocks. Fun fact, she was a Division I Softball pitcher at Jacksonville University!
Shug is a Nurse Residency Program Manager, Health Occupations Coordinator, and Nurse and Student Intern Manager at SGMC Health! She holds a Bachelors in Nursing from Valdosta State University and a Masters in Nursing Education from Thomas University.
She enjoys watching new nurses advance into other areas and roles saying that it is "like watching flowers bloom, witnessing where they start to where they grow is very heartwarming for me."
Having witnessed personal family challenges stemming from communication gaps, she's passionate about fostering a sense of safety and confidence in others' skill sets. Serving as an HRO champion is her way of giving back to nursing and contributing to SGMC Health’s goal of achieving zero harm. In her free time, she enjoys laughing with people she loves and giving back to the community through volunteer work.
Kayla is a Medical/Surgical Nurse Educator at SGMC Health. She holds a Bachelors in Exercise Physiology and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She loves being able to act as an educational resource for her team and is passionate about being excellent at healthcare education.
In her time away from work she enjoys spending time with her husband and their two boys. Fun fact, she has been skydiving twice in one day and completed a half marathon!
Niki is an Epic Resolute Professional Billing Analyst at SGMC Health Main. She holds an Associate's degree in the field of Medical Office Management Administration, a Specialized degree in Medical Insurance Coding/Billing, as well as an Epic Certification in Resolute Professional Billing Administration.
She delights in being able to collaborate with our entire health system to ensure that billing processes function seamlessly to benefit our patients. She is happy to be an HRO Champion because it allows her to nurture safe practices by our employees therefore keeping our patients safe. In her downtime she enjoys crafting, reading, baking, and loves solving a good crossword puzzle!
Marquez is an Administrative Coordinator of Nursing at SGMC Health Main. He holds an ASN from ABAC, a BSN from Columbus State University, and is currently completing his MSN in Nursing Leadership and Administration at Capella University. He loves getting to build relationships among the various departments within our organization and helping nursing units ensure patient safety is a priority by providing them with the necessary tools needed.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and traveling!
Brett is a Patient Care Coordinator in the Emergency Department at SGMC Health Berrien. He is certified as a Registered Nurse and an Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic. He finds joy in helping patients as well as his fellow employees in his everyday work. He was excited about the chance to be an HRO Champion and have the opportunity to make a difference in the health system.
In his free time, he enjoys golfing and spending time in the great outdoors with his family!
SGMC Annual Report FY2023 UNMATCHED EFFICIENCIES
Economic Impact and Community Benefit
FY2022