Stephens County Hospital Earns #1 Ranking in Georgia for Hospitals with Fewer Than 100 Beds

Toccoa, GA – Stephens County Hospital (SCH) has been ranked #1 in Georgia for hospitals with fewer than 100 beds in the 2024 Georgia Trend Magazine rankings. Every year, Georgia Trend ranks hospitals based on their Medicare Performance Score, calculated by CMS considering 4 different factors: Clinical outcomes, person and community engagement, safety and efficiency, and cost reduction. This prestigious recognition follows a steady rise in the rankings over the past few years. The hospital was not listed three years ago, but in 2022, SCH secured the #6 spot, followed by a jump to #2 in 2023. With its top ranking in 2024, SCH stands proudly as a healthcare leader across Georgia.

This achievement reflects the entire SCH team's hard work, dedication, and passion. Van Loskoski, CEO of Stephens County Hospital, expressed his gratitude to the staff, saying, "Congratulations! This achievement belongs to YOU. Your commitment to our patients, the quality of care we provide, and our pursuit of excellence have made this possible. You are the reason we have reached this pinnacle!"

A Year of Remarkable Growth

2024 has been a year of exceptional growth and success for SCH, particularly in the area of outpatient services. The hospital has seen a 20% increase in revenue compared to the previous year and a 45% growth over the past three years. More surgeries, diagnostic tests, and patient admissions have contributed to this progress. One of the most notable achievements is the significant reduction in patient transfers to other hospitals. 95% of ER patients now stay at SCH for the entirety of their care, a testament to the hospital's expanding capabilities and commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare locally.

Several key initiatives launched last year have played a crucial role in this progress, including:

  • The addition of a new hospitalist team in February 2024
  • A telecardiology partnership with Northside Hospital Heart Institute, launched in January 2024
  • Increased preparedness for admitting stroke patients requiring thrombolytic agents
  • Weekend coverage for Echocardiograms and MRIs
  • Expansion of the surgical team, including the hiring of Dr. Elaine Lelli

Additionally, SCH has achieved significant accreditation milestones, including recertifying its "Center of Excellence" status for Hip and Knee replacement surgery from the Joint Commission and becoming Georgia's newest designated stroke center. These achievements further underscore the hospital's commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As Stephens County Hospital moves into 2025, the focus will remain on sustaining and building upon the past year's momentum. Several exciting projects and initiatives will roll out, expand services, and improve patient care for those we serve. Key upcoming initiatives include:

  • Expansion of outpatient services, with a new Orthopedic location on Big A Road (adjacent to Planet Fitness), currently under construction
  • Opening a School-based Health Center at Stephens County High School to provide immediate care for students and faculty
  • Recruitment of a full-time cardiologist and a full-time urologist, with interviews currently underway
  • Ongoing recruitment for a new orthopedic surgeon
  • Addition of dialysis services for inpatient care
  • Renovation of operating rooms, funded by U.S. Congressional support for rural trauma care
  • A new partnership with Children's Hospital of Atlanta and Mercer University Medical School to enhance emergency pediatric care

These projects are just the beginning, with more initiatives in the works to ensure the hospital meets the community's growing healthcare needs. SCH remains dedicated to providing top-quality care close to home for all residents within our region.

A Bright Future Ahead

Looking to the future, the leadership team at Stephens County Hospital is confident that 2025 will bring another year of growth and success. Van Loskoski stated, "It's going to be an exciting and challenging year, but we are ready. We are committed to delivering the best care possible to our patients, and we will continue to adapt to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve."

As SCH continues to raise the bar for healthcare in rural Georgia, the hospital will always focus on providing outstanding care to the individuals and families who rely on it. The entire community can take pride in the hospital's success, and we look forward to even greater accomplishments in the future.

To keep the public engaged and informed about the ongoing developments at Stephens County Hospital, Director of Marketing, Public Relations, and Community Engagement, Joley Strickland will contribute a monthly article to the Toccoa Record as a contributing editor. Additionally, links to these articles will be available on Facebook, LinkedIn, and the hospital's website at www.stephenscountyhospital.com.