SMH recognized by county

Stephens County Judge Michael Roach recognized Stephens Memorial Hospital in honor of National Rural Health Day, during the commissioners’ meeting Monday, Nov. 14.

Roach started the meeting by expressing the court’s desire to celebrate and recognize the importance of the staff and hospital.

SMH CEO Brian Roland spoke to the commissioners on the hospital’s behalf saying the number one goal of many rural hospitals is increasing their community’s and patients’ access to quality and compassionate care, calling rural hospitals the best of both worlds.

“Many rural hospitals are often economic engines in the small areas they serve. Many times the hospital represents one of the largest employers in the rural community and plays a significant role in attracting businesses and industries to further spur economic development,” Roland said. “Rural hospitals have the unique capability and capacity to provide patients with the best of both worlds. Rural hospitals are large enough to offer top technology and small enough to talk you through your tests. They are large enough to attract a wide range of specialists but small enough to offer same day appointments. We are large enough to compete nationally in regard to quality, but small enough to know your name. Stephens Memorial Hospital is large enough to serve, small enough to care. We are proud to serve our communities.”

A proclamation was written and signed prior to the meeting and read aloud by Roach to those in attendance.