HEALTHCARE

In Bainbridge and Decatur County, we know that quality health care is imperative to the well-being of a community. We not only have exemplary healthcare facilities, but also highly acclaimed police and fire protection and outstanding utility services.

Memorial Hospital and Manor, an 80-bed community hospital and 107-bed long-term care facility, is the centerpiece of Decatur County's healthcare system. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and is a not-for-profit organization owned and operated by the Hospital Authority of Bainbridge and Decatur County.

In 1998, the hospital opened a 21,000 square foot addition which includes The Kirbo Women's Center, a state-of-the-art obstetrics and gynecology unit. The Kirbo Women's Center has eight private birthing suites, six private suites for other OB/GYN patients, and an operating room for Cesarean Sections.

Memorial Hospital and Manor's medical staff is comprised of highly qualified physicians and nurses, encompassing a full range of medical specialties, including anesthesiology, cardiology, emergency medicine, family practice, gastroenterology, general surgery, gynecology, internal medicine, obstetrics, ophthalmology, orthopedics, otolaryngology (ENT), pediatrics, radiology, and urology.

The hospital's support staff is comprised of over 500 employees dedicated to maintaining a warm, friendly, and professional atmosphere. The staff combines personal attention with state-of-the-art technology to provide the best medical care the area can offer.

Emergency Room:
Memorial Hospital and Manor's Emergency Department is physician-staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provides skilled trauma care for accidents and major illnesses, as well as care for minor emergencies. There is a heliport located on the grounds to facilitate transportation to other hospitals when required. In extreme emergencies, patients may be transferred to major trauma centers in less than 30 minutes by helicopter transport.

Intensive Care Unit:
The 10-bed Intensive Care Unit offers bedside monitoring and critical care nursing services provided by a skilled nursing staff. Patient monitoring equipment provides continuous evaluation of each patient in the unit.

Respiratory Therapy and Physical Therapy:
Respiratory and physical therapy services, including oxygen therapy, pulmonary function testing, and EKG testing, are offered on an outpatient and inpatient basis. The respiratory therapy staff is also certified in neonatal resuscitation. A trained staff offers outpatient services with a physician order for the treatment of injuries, stroke rehabilitation, pediatric therapy, and orthopedic disorders.

Same Day Surgery:
Same day surgeries are performed routinely for orthopedic injuries, laparoscopic procedures, endoscopy, gynecological procedures, cataract removal, other eye surgeries, ENT procedures, urological procedures, and general surgery.

Community Health:
The health of the community is an important part of the mission of Memorial Hospital and Manor. The hospital sponsors a School Nursing Program and Athletic Training Program in the Decatur County School System at no cost to the school or students. The School Health Check program now has nine (9) Registered Nurses assisting students in the county. The nurses operate school clinics to provide medical assistance, administer medications, conduct vision and dental screenings, and speak to students about health issues. Memorial Hospital and Manor's Certified Athletic Trainer works cooperatively with Decatur County school coaches and area physicians in providing a safe environment for young athletes.

Additional Medical Services:
There are several other types of medical services offered throughout the county meeting various needs. These services are:

• Memorial Manor - A 107-bed long-term care facility located adjacent to, and operated by, Memorial Hospital. A staff of approximately 77 healthcare professionals is employed and provides licensed healthcare 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The facility is licensed by the State of Georgia and accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO).
• Willow Ridge - An elegantly designed, 24-bed assisted living facility owned and operated by Memorial Hospital and Manor. The facility was opened in 1998 and is located on nine (9) acres. Willow Ridge provides a safe environment for older adults who do not wish to live alone or for those that may need personal assistance with everyday living.
• Decatur County Senior Citizens Center - Open 8:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M., Monday through Friday. The center provides activities for the area's senior citizens who are age 60 and older, including shopping outings, line dancing, bingo, and crafts.
• Decatur County Health Department - Maintains several preventive medicine programs, including administering immunizations, clinics for hypertension, family planning, and routine physical exams. Hearing and vision checks are conducted on a regular basis and mental health counseling is also offered through the Decatur County Mental Health Center.
• Riverside Place - Assisted living community.
• Other Medical Services - Memorial Medical Center.

Residents and visitors to Bainbridge and Decatur County should feel safe and secure knowing the "Georgia at its Best" is not just a lifestyle, but a part of everyday life, especially when it comes to healthcare in our community.