Healthcare Expanding Access to

Patients in Lowndes County and the surrounding areas now have another hospital available for their healthcare needs.

South Georgia Medical Center commemorated the grand re-opening of its SGMC Smith Northview hospital in early December 2022 with a special ribbon cutting ceremony.

SGMC leadership welcomed community leaders, state and local legislators, physicians, and staff to recognize the significant role that the hospital and campus play in access to quality healthcare for the region.

In mid-December, SGMC Urgent Care relocated from its position within the hospital to another building on the SGMC Smith Northview Campus to provide more visibility and convenient access for patients.

In January 2023, SGMC fully re-opened the Smith Northview hospital, featuring a 12-bed emergency room with 24/7 coverage from emergencymedicine board-certified and residency-trained physicians. In addition, the hospital houses 45 acute inpatient care beds.

According to SGMC Emergency Department Medical Director Dr. Clark Connell, the hospital re-opening could not have come at a better time as hospitals across the state have seen a steady increase in patients.

South Georgia Medical Center (main campus) 2501 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, 31602 (229-433-1000)

SGMC Berrien Campus

1221 McPherson Ave., Nashville, GA 31639 (229-433-8600)

SGMC Lanier Campus

116 W. Thigpen Ave., Lakeland, GA 31635 (229-433-8440)

SGMC Smith

Northview Campus

4280 N. Valdosta Rd., Valdosta, GA 31602 (229-433-8000)

“The foresight of SGMC’s leadership team and our elected officials to identify the need to expand access to healthcare in our area and their dedication to see the project through is commendable,” said Connell. “It was no small feat, and our team looks forward to providing more choices for high-quality healthcare to those in our region.”

According to Ronald E. Dean, SGMC President and Chief Executive Officer, creating unequaled access is a top priority for the health system because convenience and capability matter.

“SGMC Smith Northview significantly enhances access to our remarkable team of 600-plus providers and the most comprehensive healthcare system in the region,” shared Dean.

Furthermore, patients who receive care at any SGMC location or facility receive access to their own MyChart account and application (commonly referred to as an Electronic Health Record) that allows for a centralized record of their information that integrates seamlessly with all care provided to them across the health system.

In addition to inpatient and emergency services, the Smith Northview Campus offers specialty services such as a walk-in lab, outpatient imaging, outpatient surgery, a diagnostic sleep center, a neurology clinic, and the aforementioned urgent care. | VM