MSH emergency earns top HCA honor

2 units get honorable mentions

Special to the WJH Memorial Satilla Health’s 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 emergency department is now ranked No. 1 in the company for a highvolume ER. Earlier this month, MSH was designated the Georgia Department of Health as Level IV trauma center by the Georgia Department of Health for its emergency care.

The distinction marks a significant advancement in emergency care for the region. Previously, the nearest trauma facilities were in Valdosta or Hinesville, both Level IV.

“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.”

The hospital’s 3-Main medical/surgical unit and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) each received honorable mention during the awards ceremony, ranking them in the Top 10 percent of HCA for their respective units.

This year, 193 nursing units across HCA Healthcare were recognized last month during a ceremony broadcast from the organization’s headquarters in Nashville, Tenn.

Of those, 16 units earned top honors, representing the highest-performing five percent of nursing units across HCA Healthcare. Units ranking in the top six to 10 percent received honorable mention designations.

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.

“Nursing excellence is most visible at the bedside, where our nurses deliver compassionate, high-quality care to patients and their families every day,” said Erica Rossitto, senior vice president and chief nurse executive of HCA Healthcare. “The Unit of Distinction program recognizes the top-performing nursing units at HCA Healthcare that exemplify this commitment and set a strong standard for care across our organization.”

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.

Over the past decade, the program has recognized more than 652 units and more than 500 honorable mention recipients across the organization.

“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 MSH’s Chief Nursing Officer Jen Weaver. “Their work not only drives strong patient outcomes, but also makes a meaningful impact right here in our community.

“It’s a true testament to what happens when a team shows up for one another and those we serve.”

This year’s recognition is especially significant as HCA Healthcare celebrates “A Decade of Distinction,” marking the 10th anniversary of the program.

Since its inception, the Unit of Distinction program has expanded from a single specialty to 10 areas of care, including behavioral health, critical care, emergency services, inpatient rehabilitation, medical- surgical, neonatal intensive care, pediatric services, surgical services, and women’s services – reflecting the breadth and impact of nursing practice across HCA Healthcare.

According to the National Institutes of Health, there are five levels of trauma centers.

These designations indicate a hospital's resources and capability to treat severe injuries, ranging from comprehensive, 24/7 specialized care (I) to initial stabilization and transfer (IV-V).

There are Level I units in Jacksonville and Savannah and a Level II facilities in Jacksonville and nearby Clay County.

“This achievement is a direct result of the hard work and collaboration of our team,” said MSH Chief Executive Officer Damon Barrett. “It speaks to our commitment to excellence.”