News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlanta ER Group Joins Saint Joseph’s East
GREENSBORO, GA (August 28, 2009) – Saint Joseph’s East Georgia has recently contracted with Emergency Care of Atlanta to oversee and direct the quality and operations within its Emergency Department.
SJEG has seen the number of emergency visits increase significantly since it assumed operations at the existing hospital last year. The addition of Emergency Care of Atlanta will enable SJEG to continue meeting the existing needs of the community, prepare for its future growth and strengthen the hospital’s quality of care.
For the past 20 years, Emergency Care of Atlanta has worked with Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, overseeing its emergency services. The group’s Chief of Emergency Medicine, Kenneth Miller, M.D., has accepted the position of Emergency Medical Director for SJEG.
“We are excited about the opportunity to help provide emergency services to the residents of the lake area and to play a part in Saint Joseph’s East Georgia’s continued emergence as a first-rate hospital that delivers quality and compassionate care,” said Miller.
Dr. Miller will provide administrative direction, implement clinical protocols, develop quality measures and direct evaluations and treatments within SJEG’s Emergency Department. He and other physicians within the Atlanta group will rotate shifts to provide the highest quality care possible, around the clock, at SJEG.
Several physicians with Emergency Care of Atlanta have already been working with SJEG as the hospital’s volume continues to climb toward record numbers.
“After visiting the hospital recently and working with the staff at Saint Joseph’s East, I was extremely pleased with the high quality of nursing care I found there,” said Todd Albinger, M.D., with Emergency Care of Atlanta.
SJEG’s Emergency Department has seen great improvement since 2008 when the existing hospital was purchased by Saint Joseph’s. With an investment of $1.5 million, SJEG was able to purchase new equipment for its operating and emergency departments and carry out much-needed renovations overall.
The Emergency Room physicians have the advantage of using state-of-the-art technology, such as the “In Touch Robot” at SJEG to consult with specialists like Neurologists and Cardiologists on a moment’s notice. Its staff continually receives extensive training and works to create positive patient experiences.
As the hospital continues to grow, SJEG President Mike Huff says it is critical that its services and staff grow along with it to maintain the hospital’s high standard of quality care.
“We are confident that the addition of Emergency Care of Atlanta will further strengthen and grow our emergency services,” said Huff. “By joining the expertise and skills of their doctors with our own, it will only ensure patients receive the quick responses and quality treatments necessary to save lives.”
Emergency Care of Atlanta will continue operations at Saint Joseph’s new replacement hospital off Ga. 44 and Linger Longer Road, slated for completion in 2012.
A community philanthropy campaign is currently underway to raise $10 million to provide equipment and furnishings so the new hospital will be able to open. Fund raising for indigent care and clinical research endowments is now planned to occur once the hospital is in operation. Campaign volunteers are working in partnership with Saint Joseph’s East Georgia, a non-profit hospital, to bring this much-needed facility to current residents, and to support the projected long-term growth and economic viability of the Lake Oconee area.
Significant progress toward the goal has been achieved, but the participation of the entire community is still essential for this dream to become a reality. Join this worthy cause and commit today. All donations are tax-deductible and pledges may be made over five years. To make a pledge, or if you have any questions, please call Saint Joseph’s Mercy Foundation at (706) 999-9920.
