Monroe County Hospital is proud to announce that we have been named as the 2025 Hospital of the Year by HomeTown Health, LLC, a prestigious recognition that highlights our team’s dedication to compassionate care, operational excellence, and community trust.
The award was presented during HomeTown Health’s 26th Annual Fall Conference, held October 22–24 at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Chosen from among over 150 member hospitals across the Southeast, Monroe County Hospital was recognized for our exceptional growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to high-quality rural healthcare.
“This hospital has demonstrated remarkable growth and turnaround with multi-faceted success in service line expansion and utilization, capital improvements, as well as workforce management. Their strategic vision and intentionality has rebuilt trust internally with their staff and externally with the community with a dedication to high-quality patient-centered care in a home-like environment. The enhancement and expansion of services including mammography, wound care via telehealth, swing bed, and pediatric care in the emergency department are prime examples of their intent to serve their community well and continue to adapt to the needs of their patients”, shares Kristy Thomson, COO of HomeTown Health.
This honor reflects everything we strive for at Monroe County Hospital: to be a place where patients are treated like family, and where excellence in care goes hand in hand with heart and hospitality. From our 24/7 Emergency Room to swing bed rehabilitation, mammography, pediatric emergency services, and telehealth wound care, we are continuously expanding access to services that matter most to the families of Monroe County.
A Hospital on the Rise
The recognition comes at a time of significant transformation for Monroe County Hospital. Over the past year, we’ve seen:
- A 5.2% increase in Emergency Room visits, reaching a record 10,753 visits
- A 21.4% increase in Swing Bed program utilization
- A positive operating profit for the first time in over seven years
- A nearly 50% reduction in contract labor costs, allowing reinvestment in staff and services
We were also proud to be named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 list of “100 Great Community Hospitals”, a national honor that underscores our commitment to accessible, high-quality care in rural Georgia.
Internally, staff morale has grown through updated pay scales, enhanced benefits, and appreciation events. Externally, community engagement has flourished through events like our Christmas Tree Lighting and supporting local organizations and schools, all while improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary transfers.
Rooted in Community. Focused on the Future.
As Forsyth’s only hospital serving over 30,000 residents, we recognize the vital role we play in our community’s health and economy. Our commitment extends beyond clinical care, it’s about trust, compassion, and connection.
“Monroe County Hospital remains fiscally responsible, strategically forward-thinking, and deeply rooted in the values that matter most: community, integrity, and compassion,” shared one testimonial.
“There’s no better place to be, as a patient, an employee, or in administration,” said another. “You’re treated like family, but with care that exceeds what many large hospitals provide.”
Looking ahead, we’re actively planning significant facility upgrades designed to improve patient experience, expand services, and streamline care for both inpatients and outpatients.
A Shared Celebration
“Congratulations to the entire team at Monroe County Hospital for this honor! This hospital has found itself in the spotlight throughout this year as a testimony to its hard work, strategic emphasis and growth and commitment to excellence, recognized locally within its community as Best Workplace, Best Caretaker, Best Medical Imaging and Best Breakfast, as well as nationally, recognized Becker’s Hospital Review List of 100 Great Community Hospitals. We are glad to join others in recognizing their remarkable work for their patients and their community as a whole”, shares Kristy Thomson, COO of HomeTown Health.
To be recognized by our peers is deeply humbling. But more than anything, we are grateful to our staff, our leadership, and our community, for believing in us, supporting us, and allowing us to care for you.
We’re proud to be your hometown hospital, today and every day.
About HomeTown Health
HomeTown Health, LLC is a network of more than 150 rural hospitals and healthcare providers across the Southeastern United States. The organization supports rural healthcare sustainability through education, advocacy, and strategic resources. Learn more at www.hometownhealthonline.com.