Leading healthcare institutions in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) have joined forces to enhance collaboration and address critical healthcare needs in the region. The inaugural meeting of the CSRA Healthcare Leadership Council convened on Dec. 12, 2023.
Comprising the top executives from the area’s foremost hospitals, the council includes Ralph Turner, President of Wellstar MCG Health; Joanna Conley, Chief Executive Officer of Doctors Hospital; Lily Henson, Chief Executive Officer of Piedmont Augusta; and Robin Jackson, the Medical Center Director of the VA Augusta Health Care System.
“At Doctors Hospital, our mission is that above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life,” said Joanna Conley, Chief Executive Officer at Doctors Hospital. “By convening regularly, we can strengthen our partnership and elevate the level of care across the CSRA.”
Ralph Turner, President of Wellstar MCG Health, emphasized the significance of collaboration among healthcare leaders. “Sometimes there’s a focus on competition among hospitals, but we have a common goal of wanting to take care of the people in our community.”
Dr. Jackson, Executive Director of VA Augusta Health Care System, said the council is about sharing resources, knowledge and best practices. “Quality healthcare doesn’t happen in isolation – it starts with partnership. The communication and collaboration coming out of the CSRA Healthcare Leadership Council will only strengthen the quality of care we deliver to local Veterans and the wider community.”
The group’s monthly meetings will focus on certain recurring topics, such as community health and emergency preparedness for the area.
“Piedmont is creating real change across Georgia, in part through partnerships that empower our communities with education and access to seamless, hassle-free, high-quality care, said Lily Henson, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Piedmont’s Augusta Hub. “By embracing the future, and exemplifying teamwork and connections, we can make a positive difference in every life we touch.”
The council’s monthly meetings will rotate among participating facilities, fostering inclusivity and equitable engagement. These gatherings will serve as forums for discussing pressing healthcare issues and identifying collaborative opportunities to enhance patient care and community well-being.
