Stockbridge, Ga. (January 26, 2024) – In April of 2022, leaders from the Henry County Board of Commissioners and Piedmont Henry Hospital discussed potential projects that could use funds from the American Rescue Plan Act that would make a significant impact for the hospital and county residents. It was decided that the creation of an observation unit would provide relief to one of the busiest emergency departments in the Piedmont system, helping provide better outcomes for patients who were not quite ready to be discharged from the emergency department, while also reducing wait times for patients hoping to be seen. On Friday, Jan. 26, hospital officials welcomed members of the Henry County Board of Commissioners, leaders from the city of Stockbridge, and members of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting for the new unit.
“Piedmont Henry is a busy place, because patients trust their health to us,” said Piedmont Henry Chief Operating Officer James Atkins. “We take that responsibility seriously, and we are excited that the opening of this department will provide some relief for our patients, staff, and physicians.”
The $3.5 million project involved the relocation of the outpatient wound care department to a standalone medical office building on campus and the renovation and construction of the 16-bed observation unit. The new wound care location opened last fall and has been very popular with patients who now have more space, a shorter walk to their appointments, and no stairs to climb. The observation unit features brand-new equipment and several elements that use space efficiently, including wall-mounted IV pumps, removable foot rests that become patient trays, and jump chairs for visitors that are stored hanging on the wall near the patient’s bed.
“So many different people in the county and the hospital have been involved with this project,” said Piedmont Henry CEO David Kent. “The teamwork and collaboration on display has been inspiring. I know this department will make a positive difference for this community.”
The observation unit is scheduled to open on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
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