Phoebe Worth administrators and Sylvester-Worth Chamber of Commerce Members welcomed guests to an open house event Tuesday evening at the hospital.  Visitors got a first-hand look at how the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit program has helped enhance the healing environment, improve access to care and provide technology upgrades – all to benefit patients seeking care at Phoebe Worth Medical Center, a state-designated critical access hospital that serves residents in and around Worth County.
“We are grateful for the all of the enhancements donations made through the Rural Hospital Tax Credit program allow us to make.  Rural hospitals across America are challenged economically due to rising costs of care and decreased reimbursements.  These funds help us purchase equipment and make upgrades to our facilities that may otherwise be delayed or out of the realm of possibility,” said Kim Gilman, CEO, Phoebe Worth Medical Center.
 
Since the tax credit program began, Phoebe Worth has used donations through it to purchase a new patient transport van, patient beds, emergency center stretchers, vision test equipment and upgraded radiology equipment.  The funding has also paid for renovations to all patient rooms, the lobby and outpatient registration area, the main parking lot and construction of a new front drive/porte cochere.  Other tax credit-funded improvements include replacement of the roof at the Phoebe Worth Family Medicine Clinic, painting of the exterior of the hospital, purchase of a new management software system and installation of handrails in hospital corridors.
 
“Phoebe Worth is such a vital part of our community.  We are lucky to have our hospital and access to primary and specialty care physicians here in Sylvester.  The tax credit program is an invaluable resource to make sure we maintain and improve the services that are available here, and I encourage people in our community to support our local hospital by donating,” said Don Monk, Chairman, Phoebe Worth Board of Directors.