Released March 15, 2007
Healthcare in North Georgia
In past years, making the move to North Georgia required the conscious
decision to be forty-five minutes to an hour away from high-quality
healthcare options. Local hospitals were little more than x-ray shops
and stitch factories—fine for some minor things, but any major
treatment or procedure meant an early drive into Atlanta to beat the
traffic.
Hospitals have become competitive businesses, which is quite
advantageous to the patient. They are motivated to offer more services
and attract the very best talent.
Chestatee Regional Hospital in Dahlonega is a perfect example of how a change in the business of hospitals can be of tremendous import to the patient and community. Since Chestatee was acquired by SunLink Healthcare in 2000, the landscape of healthcare in Lumpkin County has changed tremendously. Chestatee Regional Hospital has invested in the equipment and training that allows them to be competitive with larger facilities, and to provide high-quality services right where their patients live. Procedures are available locally and frequently performed by the same doctor who diagnosed the condition.
See the back cover for information on one of their most significant growth areas—Maternity Services—and page 45 for more news on the future of Chestatee Regional Hospital. On top of the health benefits, residents who have high-quality local care really know their caregivers. They attend church together, see each other at local events, and participate together in community-building activities. Additional commitment and trust are built by having a personal relationship with doctors, nurses, and staff members.
This issue is packed with a variety of information about your health and local providers. From opportunities to learn about common ailments, to local healthcare events, to ways you can improve your health through diet—it’s all inside. Many local medical experts have contributed to this issue, indicating to us how much they have grown to love 400 Edition. We thought it was important to bring this issue to you to help you become more familiar with all of the fabulous options you have available to you in the realm of healthcare right here in your own backyard.
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