On June 7, Nashville, Georgia and Berrien County elected officials, community leaders, and South Georgia Medical Center representatives met at Chaparral Boats to discuss the future healthcare needs for Berrien County and surrounding communities. Plans for a major expansion to the SGMC Berrien Campus and enhancements to SGMC’s healthcare delivery system for South Georgia were discussed. The $14.5 million project entails a new two-story Emergency Room addition that will expand the current campus footprint by 26,000 feet.     

The existing Berrien County Hospital was built in 1965. While there have been several technological investments over the years such as advanced x-ray equipment, laboratory instrumentation, and a new electronic health records system, the community and SGMC recognize the need for new modern emergency department facilities to better serve residents of South Georgia.  

"Creating access to modern, well-equipped facilities that enable high-quality healthcare to the people of rural South Georgia is a priority, especially during an emergency when it's needed the most. We are excited about the future of the SGMC Berrien hospital campus and what more our remarkable team of physicians, staff, and volunteers can provide to the residents of Berrien County and surrounding communities through these enhanced facilities,” stated SGMC President and Chief Executive Officer Ronald E. Dean.     

This project will replace the original three-room emergency department with a new, modern nine-room emergency department. The state-of-the-art facility will feature larger trauma and specialty care patient rooms, and enhanced clinical and support space. The emergency department will be equipped with the latest monitoring systems and furnishings. Additionally, the expansion includes a new lobby and entrance to other hospital services.    

Dean shared that this is another way to create unequaled access to SGMC's comprehensive network of specialties and providers. SGMC’s investment in advanced heart care includes the region's only open-heart surgery program, a structural valve center with Transaortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), and cardiac electrophysiology services. SGMC also has the area's only certified primary stroke center and advanced neonatal intensive care unit.      

Those in attendance shared stories regarding their experiences at the Berrien campus and their gratitude for being able to receive quality healthcare close to home.    

SGMC Foundation Board of Trustees Vice Chair Hayden Hancock shared, "Having access to this level of medical services in Berrien County and investing in the future of this campus serves more than the health needs of our community's residents but also enhances the health of our local economy."  

In addition to emergency services, SGMC's Berrien Campus provides medical care for inpatient and outpatient services, imaging including 3-D mammography, a 12-bed geriatric psychiatric unit, and a substance abuse center.  

SGMC is a regional health system comprised of four hospital campuses in Lowndes, Berrien, and Lanier counties. Its network includes 11 primary care offices and 27 specialty care clinics and facilities. To learn more, visit sgmc.org.