SCH receives 4-star rating, HMC receives 2-star rating

What kind of hospital does the community want?

Stephens County Hospital Chief Executive Officer Roger Forgey recently sat down with WNEG News to discuss the recent 4-star rating the hospital received.

“I’m so proud that the community has a hospital that offers 4-star quality rating, and I hope the community will take advantage and will continue using their hospital,” Forgey said.

Forgey went on to encourage the community to stay local and support their hospital.

Despite the financial hardships the hospital faces, this rating shows that Stephens County residents have access to high-quality care; whereas neighboring hospitals, such as the Habersham Medical Center, can only offer its patients a 2-star rating.

Though, HMC officials continue to work to improve the hospital’s performance, comparatively, Stephens County Hospital offers higher quality care.

Since the ratings were published, Stacy W. Hall, Ph. D., chairman of the Hospital Authority of Habersham County, issued an open letter, last Monday, to hospital users updating them of the progress being made at HMC.

Hall’s letter reads quote “The Hospital Authority is deeply committed to making sure that HMC remains vibrant within Habersham County, that it continues to provide high-quality healthcare to our community, and that the operations of the hospital are conducted in accord with good financial management and oversight.”

Hall goes on to say that the hospital will continue to explore affiliation efforts; and added that one priority is to improve overall performance.

Hall writes, quote “[Our team has] been working incredibly hard and have begun to roll out a series of new initiatives and key hires to best provide quality healthcare and customer service, while also focusing on improvements in financial performance.”

While Habersham Medical Center strives to increase their performance, take comfort in knowing that Stephens County Hospital has obtained a near perfect rating.

For questions regarding the Stephens County Hospital’s rating contact Public Relations Director Samantha Rickman at 706-282-4491.