Memorial Satilla Health Emergency Department has earned the 2025 HCA Healthcare Unit of Distinction Award, an annual program recognizing exemplary nursing units across HCA Healthcare’s national network of more than 100,000 nurses. The Memorial Satilla emergency department is now ranked first in the company for a high-volume ER.
The hospital’s 3-Main medical/surgical unit and PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) also received honorable mention during the awards ceremony, ranking them in the Top 10% of HCA for their respective units.
“We are incredibly proud of our teams for earning this prestigious award. This recognition reflects the dedication, compassion and clinical excellence they bring to our patients every day,” said Chief Nursing Officer Jen Weaver. “Their work not only drives strong patient outcomes, but also makes a meaningful impact right here in our community.”
This year’s award is especially significant as HCA Healthcare celebrates “A Decade of Distinction,” marking the 10th anniversary of the program. The Unit of Distinction Award honors top-performing nursing units for excellence in advocacy and leadership, consistency in nursing practice and operations and leveraging scale to improve patient care.
“The Unit of Distinction program recognizes the topperforming nursing units at HCA Healthcare that exemplify this commitment and set a strong standard for care across our organization,” said Erica Rossitto, senior vice president and chief nurse executive of HCA Healthcare.
Launched in 2015, the Unit of Distinction Awards are a cornerstone of HCA Healthcare’s “nurse forward” strategy, grounded in four pillars: a care-first culture, clinical education, dynamic care teams, and leadership and advocacy.
“What I’ve had the privilege to witness has been nothing short of remarkable. Even as our Emergency Department volume nearly doubled, our team rose to the challenge, improving both patient experience and performance by staying focused on what matters most: ensuring every patient is seen quickly, treated thoroughly, and cared for with compassion,” said Emergency Department Director Ashton Poole. “I couldn’t be prouder of their resilience, their heart, and their unwavering commitment to each other and the community we serve.”
