| the year ahead |
In 2022 ...
Colquitt Regional plans construction , new services
by Jordan Hammack Communications Director , Colquitt Regional Medical Center
Anew year : when resolutions are made , goals are set , and there is a particular eagerness in the attitudes of millions as they are faced with the chance for a new beginning . Perhaps there are no other organizations as ready for a new year as those in healthcare . The last year was filled with a mix of emotions as a result of the pandemic – joy and grief , celebration and mourning . Every high seemed to be conversely met with a low .
Colquitt Regional faced two massive surges in COVID-19 cases during 2021 , one in February / March and another in August / September . The increase in numbers due to the Delta variant presented particularly difficult circumstances and was , by far , the most challenging period the hospital has faced in its history .
For a prolonged period , the hospital was over capacity , over half of the inpatients were COVID-positive , and the ICU was overflowing with people in need of critical care . Staff morale was low and frontline workers felt as if they were fighting a losing battle . But it was the unwavering support of colleagues and community members that helped them through the difficult times .
“ This community never ceases to amaze me ,” said Colquitt Regional President and CEO Jim Matney . “ People rallied together to send snack baskets , meals , handwritten notes , and literally circled the hospital in prayers for weeks . We will never be able to fully express the gratitude we have for our community members taking such wonderful care of us .”
Despite the trials presented by the pandemic , Colquitt Regional achieved many milestones throughout the past year . The hospital received its 14th consecutive “ A ” patient safety grade from The Leapfrog Group , cut the ribbon on a new , state-ofthe-art radiation oncology unit , welcomed its sixth class of family medicine residents , administered over 20,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines , and received the Baldrige Commitment Award from the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence .
As another year presents itself , many hospitals around the world are eager to turn the page on a difficult chapter of history and move forward together , past the COVID-19 pandemic . Colquitt Regional is no exception . The administration , medical staff , and employees of Colquitt Regional are putting their collective energy toward the continuation of progress made over the last year and to reaching new heights in 2022 .
“ We have many exciting things to look forward to in 2022 ,” Matney said . “ We are steadily adding new providers , technology , and services lines to bring an elevated level of care to our patients , all right here at home . There are several projects that we are proud to either implement or break ground on this year that will allow us to continue carrying out our vision .”
22 MoultrieScene JANUARY 2022