Three days in, and the hospital transition in Habersham is running smoothly, administrators say.
On Saturday, July 1, Habersham Medical Center officially became part of the Northeast Georgia Health System. The Demorest-based hospital now operates under the name Northeast Georgia Medical Center Habersham. It’s one of five hospital campuses now owned and operated by NGHS.
“It’s been an extremely smooth transition, thanks to the entire team staying in communication around the clock this holiday weekend,” says NGHS Vice President of Regional Hospitals Kevin Matson. “The electronic medical record switch has been seamless overall, and we continue to have IT support on-site to help staff when needed.”
NGMC Habersham uses Epic, the same electronic medical record system as other NGHS hospitals and offices. Having its providers on the same system helps to ensure patient record portability.
To manage the transition, NGHS set up a Go-Live Command Center at NGMC Habersham. On-site IT support and operational leaders are stationed in the Center, working to make sure the processes run smoothly, says NGHS Director of Communications Sean Couch.
Early milestones
NGMC Habersham has already recorded a few significant milestones.
On Monday, 18 patient beds were filled in the 53-licensed bed facility. That’s a higher in-patient census than the hospital “has seen in weeks,” says Matson.
“The Emergency Department is seeing a steady stream of patients. The team cared for a stroke patient, stabilized a trauma patient for transfer to Gainesville, and delivered the first official baby at NGMC Habersham,” he adds.
Maddie Kate Littrell is the first child to be born at the hospital under the new NGMC banner. Maddie weighed in at 7 lbs., 14 oz., and was 20” long. She is the daughter of Katy and David Littrell.
“Both mom and baby are happy and healthy!” says Couch.
Since the transition, NGMC Habersham has provided a wide range of medical services. Matson says, “It’s safe to say all our systems were tested, and the team passed with flying colors.”
