News Releases

December 21, 2007
West Georgia Health System Wins National Recognition for GI Surgery

West Georgia Health System (WGHS) ranks third in Georgia and among the top ten percent in the nation for gastrointestinal (GI) surgery according to a recent report published by the leading health-care ratings company, HealthGrades. The report accessed the nation's 5,000-plus hospitals for quality, performance, and clinical outcomes in 28 areas. The health system earned the independent firm's 2008 Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence Award™ for ranking in the top 10 percent nationwide for quality and performance. The health system was the only hospital in its region to receive the award.

"I'm proud for the entire health system," said Grant Major, M.D., Chief of Surgery. "This isn't just a departmental award — it's an entire health system award. We can't take good care of our patients without excellent nursing care and the support of our medical colleagues."

Surgeries of the GI or digestive system are among the most common procedures performed at the health system. Treating a wide variety of GI disorders including cancer, hernias, gall stones and infections like appendicitis, WGHS' board certified surgical team of William T. Ayers, Jr., Madhav V. Naik, M.D., Grant Major, M.D., Paul Major, Jr., M.D., and Wes Turton, M.D. perform more than 24 percent of all surgeries at the health system.

Dr. Major said innovative technology has also contributed to the surgical team's success and is helping them continue to improve outcomes, increase patient safety and shorten recovery times.

Five of the health system's operating suites are equipped with an integrated laparoscopic system with digital technology and flat screen monitors. The system is mounted on a hydraulic boom that can be moved about the suite to accommodate the procedure and surgeon's preference.

"Surgery in the 21st century requires a complete picture of the patient's current medical status," said Major. "Everything from big-screen video of the surgical field to its advanced vital-sign monitoring helps the team get the best possible picture of the patient and the procedure."

Dr. Naik said that technology has added not only to the functionality of the OR, but has helped the surgical team enhance patient safety and better facilitate teamwork.

Though technology plays an important role in the delivery of patient care at WGHS, Director of Surgical Services Tracey Stribling says the five-ratings could not have been possible without collaboration and the expertise of the nursing, anesthesia and support staff.

"Teamwork is what makes this organization not just good — but great." said Stribling. "Our success can be directly attributed to our collective focus on patient safety and providing the best possible care."

Nurse manager Tracy Gynther added that this commitment to every patient every day is what makes the difference and creates a win-win experience for everyone.

The health system also earned HealthGrades' top, five-star rating in orthopedics for hip placement and hip fracture repair.

The full report can be found at www.healthgrades.com