Blue Ridge, GA (Sept. 9, 2011) – Fannin Regional Hospital has been recognized with the Outstanding Overall Patient Satisfaction Award from Community Health Systems, one of the nation’s leading systems of general acute-care hospitals. The organization includes Fannin Regional Hospital and more than 130 other hospitals in 29 states. 

Presented at the organization’s Chief of Staff annual meeting, Benjamin Harris, M.D., Vice-Chief of Staff of Fannin Regional Hospital accepted the award on behalf of the hospital.

“I am impressed by Fannin Regional’s commitment to creating an excellent patient experience at every level – employees, administration, and board,” said Dr. Harris. “It is an honor to accept this award on behalf of my colleagues whose clinical excellence and compassionate care positively impact the lives of patients each day.”

The Outstanding Overall Patient Satisfaction Awards recognize top-performing hospitals whose patients report an excellent hospital experience on the HCAHPS patient perception of care survey conducted by the Medicare program. HCAHPS survey results are publicly reported on hospitalcompare.hhs.gov.

Fannin Regional Hospital earned the Outstanding Patient Experience Award for 2010 and 2011, one of only four hospitals in Georgia to earn this distinction for two years in a row from HealthGrades, the leading healthcare ratings organization providing ratings and profiles of hospitals, nursing homes and physicians to consumers.  Patient satisfaction has remained above the 89th percentile for 9 consecutive quarters. The hospital’s community cares culture is focused on creating a great place for patients to receive care, including hourly rounding and excellence in patient and caregiver communications. Fannin Regional Hospital is committed to creating a great patient experience from admission to discharge.

“We appreciate Dr. Harris’ leadership and all of Fannin Regional Hospital’s medical staff members who provide outstanding care that supports a great experience for our patients,” said David S. Sanders, Chief Executive Officer of Fannin Regional Hospital.

About Fannin Regional Hospital
Fannin Regional Hospital is a general acute care facility with 24 hour emergency room that has served the Tri-State area since 1977.  Fannin Regional Hospital is located on Highway 5 between Blue Ridge and McCaysville.

The terms "Community Health Systems," "CHS," the "Company" or the "organization" used in this press release refer to Community Health Systems, Inc. and its affiliates including Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation, unless otherwise stated or indicated by context.