Advancing the intent to provide high-quality and value-based care, Clinch Memorial Hospital (CMH) announces a partnership with South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) to strengthen the quality and delivery of health care for patients in Clinch County. SGMC will begin serving as CMH’s network affiliate on March 1st.

CMH and SGMC will remain independent organizations. This affiliation is not an acquisition nor is it a merger as staff and physicians will continue to work for their retrospective hospitals. As a Critical Access Hospital, CMH is required to have a network affiliate to transfer any patients requiring care beyond its capabilities.

“We are excited to move forward in ensuring quality health care stays close to home,” said Angela Ammons, Chief Executive Officer of CMH. “This affiliation is a logical and strategic step to ensure that access to local, high-quality health care continues and grows in Clinch County for many years to come.”

The new partnership with SGMC will offer several advantages to Clinch Memorial, its physicians, and patients. Already, CMH has seen a rise in referrals to its swing bed services and expedited connections to SGMC specialty centers.

SGMC President and Chief Executive Officer Ronald E. Dean shared that SGMC is excited to partner with Clinch Memorial Hospital as a network affiliate. “Clinch Memorial Hospital serves a very important role in the lives of residents in Clinch County and the surrounding area. We look forward to working with the Clinch Memorial Hospital team as they strive to develop and enhance access to healthcare and wellness services for those they serve,” said Dean.