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Regional Medical Center Announces Agreement to Join Orlando Health, Strengthening the Future of Care in Northeast Alabama

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Anniston, AL (April 7, 2026) – RMC Health System and the City of Anniston announced today that it has entered into an agreement to join Orlando Health, a private, not-for-profit healthcare system, following approval by the RMC Board of Directors and the City of Anniston City Council. The agreement, which is pending regulatory approvals and expected to close fall of this year, is designed to strengthen the future of healthcare in Northeast Alabama through new investments, expanded services, and access to the resources of a health system focused on culture and clinical excellence.  

Regional Medical Center has served as a cornerstone of care for families in the region for decades. RMC’s leadership team has worked to strengthen the hospital, improve operations, expand services, and work to build a stronger future for healthcare in Northeast Alabama. While the hospital has the team and vision to achieve that goal, executing that strategy requires the scale, capital, and operational resources that a larger health system like Orlando Health can provide.  

“Since joining RMC a little over a year ago, our leadership team has worked with the Board of Directors and our City of Anniston elected officials in developing a strategy to revitalize RMC as a true acute care referral center for our region,” said Keith Parrott, CEO.  “Two of the things that excite us the most about this partnership with Orlando Health are their ability to amplify and accelerate our growth and improvement plans and their track record of success in multiple markets with similar situations to RMC’s.”  

Under the agreement, RMC will become part of Orlando Health’s Alabama Region. All current employees will transition to Orlando Health on day one, with their existing titles, pay, and years of service honored.  

Orlando Health is committed to investing significant resources to enhance RMC’s facilities, equipment, and technology. This initiative includes the implementation of an electronic health record system for medical records management. These investments are expected to support physician recruitment, expand specialty services, and improve access to care for patients throughout Northeast Alabama.  

“We are excited to welcome RMC’s team members and physicians to Orlando Health,” said David Strong, president and CEO, Orlando Health. “Together, we look forward to investing in excellent services that will benefit the region, partnering with physicians, purposefully growing, and becoming the best place to work.”     

Local leaders say the agreement represents an important step toward strengthening healthcare access for the region.  

“Healthcare across rural America is changing, and communities everywhere are facing difficult decisions about how to sustain quality care for the future,” said Ciara Smith-Roston, Mayor of Anniston. “Our hospital has served this region for generations, and as stewards of this important community asset, our responsibility is to ensure it remains strong and sustainable for the long term. Strong healthcare is essential not only to public health, but also to economic growth and community confidence. Our priority has always been to protect the long-term healthcare needs of our citizens, and this step helps ensure that quality care will remain available in Anniston for generations to come.”  

Orlando Health has a growing presence in Alabama following its 2024 acquisition of Baptist Health in Birmingham, with more than 1,700 licensed beds, 58 primary and specialty care clinics, 2,600 affiliated physicians, and more than 6,100 team members.  

“This is an exciting opportunity to improve healthcare around Calhoun County and beyond,” said Bud Owsley, Chair of the Healthcare Authority of the City of Anniston. “We strongly believe that now is the right time and Orlando Health has the right vision and values to bring our hospital to the forefront of advancing medical care in the region.”  

“We know trust is built over time,” Parrott continued. “This partnership is about ensuring that patients and families across Northeast Alabama continue to have access to excellent care close to home, today and for decades to come.”  

All involved parties are committed to transparency throughout the process, and additional information will be shared with the community as it becomes available.  

About Regional Medical Center
Regional Medical Center (RMC) is a regional hospital based in Anniston, Alabama, serving patients across Northeast Alabama. Guided by its mission to provide state-of-the-art healthcare with integrity, RMC is committed to clinical quality, patient experience, community impact, and compassionate care. RMC is one of the region’s largest employers, supported by more than 1,800 team members, 300+ volunteers, and more than 200 physicians across a broad range of specialties. The hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and has earned Blue Distinction Center+ recognition from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama for Orthopedic and Maternity Care. RMC was also the first Baby-Friendly designated birthing facility in Alabama and is recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.   

About Orlando Health
Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $14 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States — including Florida and Alabama — and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida, the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health is dedicated to improving the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $2 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 2024, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.  

About City of Anniston
The City of Anniston serves as a regional hub for government, commerce, culture, and community life in Northeast Alabama. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Anniston was founded in 1872 as a private iron company town and officially opened to the public in 1883. Today, the city remains committed to expanding economic opportunity, enhancing public safety, revitalizing neighborhoods, and delivering transparent, responsive public service. The city is distinguished by assets including the Chief Ladiga Trail — Alabama’s first extended rails-to-trails project — the Anniston Museums and Gardens, the Anniston Regional Airport, the Anniston Army Depot, and the former Fort McClellan.

Dr. Mohamad Eloubeidi Earns Prestigious National Honor from ASGE

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Regional Medical Center Physician named “Master of ASGE,” becoming the first in Alabama to receive the distinction

ANNISTON, Ala. — Regional Medical Center (RMC) is proud to announce that Dr. Mohamad Eloubeidi, Director of Therapeutic Endoscopy and Endoscopic Ultrasound, has been awarded the prestigious Master of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (MASGE) designation, one of the highest honors in the field of gastroenterology.

Dr. Eloubeidi is the first physician in Alabama to receive this distinction, which is granted to a select group of physicians who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to research, education, and leadership in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

The MASGE designation represents the next level of recognition beyond the longstanding FASGE (Fellow of ASGE) credential, which Dr. Eloubeidi has held for over a decade.

The MASGE designation is not open for application, and fewer than 100 physicians globally currently hold this title. It is instead awarded by the ASGE Governing Board to physicians who have made sustained and impactful contributions to the specialty. Fewer than 100 physicians across the United States and globally currently hold this title.

“This is an incredible honor, and I am both humbled and grateful,” said Dr. Eloubeidi. “Throughout my career, my focus has been on advancing care, contributing to research, and improving outcomes for patients. To be recognized by my peers in this way is truly meaningful.”

Dr. Eloubeidi has been practicing for nearly 31 years, has served the RMC community for 13 years, and has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles. He is widely recognized for his expertise in advanced endoscopic procedures and has contributed extensively to clinical research and innovation in the field. In fact, he was recently recognized for performing a first-in-state procedure, gaining national recognition. 

“Dr. Eloubeidi’s recognition as a Master of ASGE reflects not only his individual excellence, but also the level of care available right here in our community,” said Dr. Almena Free, Chief Medical Officer at Regional Medical Center. “We are proud to have a physician of his caliber leading our endoscopy program.”

This milestone reinforces RMC’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, advanced care in the region, ensuring patients have access to nationally recognized expertise without having to travel. 

About Regional Medical Center   

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is a regional hospital based in Anniston, Alabama, serving patients across Northeast Alabama. Guided by its mission to provide state-of-the-art healthcare with integrity, RMC is committed to clinical quality, patient experience, community impact, and compassionate care. RMC is one of the region’s largest employers, supported by more than 1,800 team members, 300+ volunteers, and more than 200 physicians across a broad range of specialties. The hospital is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and has earned Blue Distinction Center+ recognition from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama for Orthopedic and Maternity Care. RMC was also the first Baby-Friendly designated birthing facility in Alabama and is recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

Rediscovering Care: Brenda & Steven’s Journey to Healing at RMC

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For Brenda, this community has always been her home. Steven came later, moving from Michigan in 1989, but quickly found his place alongside Brenda in the life they built together. For years, their connection to the community felt steady and familiar, until Brenda’s health changed everything.

Two years ago, Brenda began receiving ambulatory care at a different healthcare facility for a few wounds that were just having trouble getting better. The treatment kept things moving along, but it never felt like true healing. “It just felt like maintenance,” she said. “It never really was an experience of care.” Physically, the pain never eased and emotionally, the uncertainty weighed on them both. There were days when nothing went as planned, and the frustration grew. 

“I was miserable,” Brenda shared. “I was in so much pain with no real answers.”

The fear that haunted her most was the possibility that the infection had reached her bloodstream and that what she was living with might become permanent. That fear, combined with daily pain, left Brenda anxious and exhausted. Moving around the house felt overwhelming and every movement came with worry.

About a year ago, her health changed again. Even though she was already receiving regular treatment, Brenda’s pain became so unbearable they made the decision to go to  Regional Medical Center’s (RMC) Emergency Department. The response was immediate. “The staff at RMC was very fast in getting me the help I needed, including emergency surgery,” she recalled. “They literally kept me alive.”

The infection had, in fact, spread to her bloodstream and was causing a plethora of other issues, but Brenda and Steven sensed something different. What they found wasn’t just treatment anymore, they finally found care.

“It only took a visit or two to discover, but they actually cared,” Steven remarked about the ambulatory team at RMC. “They had drinks, a blanket, they met us at the door and treated Brenda like she was there to get better, not just to be a patient.” Those small, thoughtful gestures mattered more than they ever expected.

“They made you feel like a person,” Brenda explained. “It took some of the stress away so that I was able to actually, for the first time, focus on healing.”

For two months straight, Steven was by Brenda’s side at ambulatory care every single day. The consistency could have felt exhausting, but instead, it felt reassuring. Even during the most difficult moments, the staff never made them feel like a burden and, despite being on Medicaid, they never felt treated differently. “We felt heard and seen,” Steven said. “I saw Brenda actually getting better after every visit.”

Through it all, the team’s attentiveness never wavered. Smiles. Snacks. Gentle check-ins. Professional care paired with human connection. Over time, what began as patient-provider interactions grew into something deeper. “The previous facility was just clinical,” Steven said. “The RMC staff actually had real conversations with us, and those conversations grew very quickly into, what felt like, friendship.”

After months of treatment, Brenda reached a milestone she had almost stopped hoping for: a wound vac was finally removed after so many days of thinking this would be a permanent issue. “It was a true relief,” she said. “It felt like I was finally healing.” With healing came comfort, and with comfort came confidence. The anxiety, worry, and confusion that once felt debilitating began to fade and she could move around the house again without fear.

Brenda and Steven had been patients of Stringfellow Memorial Hospital for years, and trusting RMC did not come easily. “We were hesitant,” Steven admitted. “But we have a lot more respect now, especially with the changes we’ve seen and the care that we have now experienced in other areas.”

Today, when asked what RMC means to them, the answer is simple: hope. For anyone in the community who feels scared or unsure about where to turn, Steven and Brenda want them to know that RMC is not what it used to be, in the best way possible. “The care, the people, the overall experience,” Steven said. “We felt heard and seen.”

Their experience can be summed up in two powerful sentences. Steven says, “The RMC team was friendlier than I had experienced and much more helpful than I expected.” Brenda adds, “We are so grateful that our medical care was taken seriously and thankful they were part of my recovery.”

For Brenda and Steven, RMC wasn’t just a treatment facility, it was where they rediscovered healing, dignity, and a renewed sense of trust.

If you or a loved one would like to be featured in a patient testimonial for RMC, please email marketing@rmccares.org for consideration.

Catching the Spark Before the Fire: How the Critical Assessment Team at Regional Medical Center Saves Lives Every Day

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At Regional Medical Center (RMC), we employ 5 values that we strive for each and every day: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, and Service (CARES). One of the most powerful examples of that commitment to our core values is the Critical Assessment Team (CAT), a highly specialized, proactive team dedicated to identifying and responding to patient decline before it becomes a life-threatening emergency.

Led by experienced clinicians Laurie, RTT, RTT-ACCS, RTT-NPS, CRRP and Caleb, RN, CRRP, the CAT program at RMC has become a model for hospitals across Alabama, proving that proactive critical care saves lives, improves outcomes, and supports frontline staff in meaningful ways.

What Is the Critical Assessment Team (CAT)?

The Critical Assessment Team is a dedicated group of critical care professionals whose primary responsibility is responding to declining inpatients anywhere in the hospital. Unlike traditional rapid response models that are often reactionary, CAT was designed to intervene early. Their guiding philosophy is simple but powerful: “Catch the spark before the fire.”

That mindset drives every call they answer, every patient they assess, and every educational opportunity they create by being proactive, not reactive, and taking personal accountability to redefine rapid response within a healthcare facility.

RMC’s Unique Approach

In 2008, rapid response teams became a national requirement. While many hospitals now technically meet the standard, the execution often remains reactive by rapid response staff functioning as bedside nurses who already carry full patient loads and are called in to assist only after a patient has significantly deteriorated.

The CAT program at RMC was created to be a dedicated team, free from routine patient assignments, allowing them to respond immediately and focus exclusively on critical assessment and intervention. Their goal extended not simply to respond to emergencies, but to use education and presence to start preventing critical situations before they become critical.

Today, CAT responds proactively to early signs of patient decline active and potential cardiac arrests, ICU upgrades, patients at risk of being sent back to the ER, and increasing patient severity at the bedside.

Since its implementation five years ago, the Critical Assessment Team has helped achieve a 92% reduction in non-ICU or non-ER cardiac arrests; a remarkable outcome that underscores the effectiveness of early intervention and expert bedside care.

A large portion of that goes back to their efforts of preventing deterioration instead of reacting to it. CAT has significantly reduced codes on inpatient units, improved patient stability, and relieved strain on both the ICU and Emergency Departments.

ICU-Level Care Anywhere in the Hospital

One of the most unique aspects of CAT is its ability to bring full ICU-level care directly to the bedside, regardless of where the patient is located in the hospital.

The team is equipped with a top-of-the-line ventilator in a backpack, capable of providing advanced respiratory support, critical monitoring tools, and other necessary equipment to stabilize patients immediately in any patient room at RMC.

This capability is especially important when ICU beds are unavailable due to patient volume. By delivering ICU-level care at the bedside, CAT helps prevent ER backflow, stabilizes patients in place, and buys critical time until appropriate beds become available.

CAT also plays a vital role in supporting both physicians and nursing staff. Laurie and Caleb often describe their role as being “another set of critical eyes”; experienced clinicians who can quickly identify subtle changes, assist with bedside procedures, and collaborate on treatment decisions.

For nurses, this support is invaluable. While CAT focuses on the critical situation at hand, floor nurses can continue caring for their other patients, ensuring safe staffing and continuity of care across the unit. However, Laurie and Caleb also use each call to aid the nurses and build education into every call.

Every CAT call is treated as more than an intervention; it is an opportunity for education.

The team actively teaches and mentors staff during real-time patient scenarios, reinforcing best practices, assessment skills, and critical thinking. This hands-on approach helps build confidence across the hospital and strengthens RMC’s overall culture of safety.

Beyond bedside education, CAT is deeply involved in formal training initiatives, including:

  • Teaching classes for respiratory care and nursing students
  • Providing Advanced Life Saving Care (ALSC) training
  • Providing Pediatric Life Saving Care (PLSC) training to nursing staff
  • Simulation Lab and Mock Code Training

The Critical Assessment Team also runs and hosts RMC’s patient simulation lab, where staff participate in mock codes and other high-risk scenarios. These simulations allow teams to practice emergency responses in a safe, controlled environment; aiding and improving communication, coordination, and confidence long before real emergencies occur.

A Program That Leads the State

The Critical Assessment Team at RMC was established as a pilot program in Alabama, and its success has not gone unnoticed. Other facilities across the state have since adopted the CAT structure modeled after RMC’s program, further validating its effectiveness and leadership.

When a patient is declining, time matters. CAT’s response times reflect their commitment to urgency and excellence. 80% of CAT calls are cleared within 90 seconds or less and that speed can make the difference between stabilizing a patient early and deploying critical measures.

CAT’s role extends into the Emergency Department as well. The team conducts rounds on patients who have been admitted but are waiting on inpatient beds. This proactive rounding ensures that any signs of deterioration are identified early, even before the patient is admitted to the hospital from the ED.

Beyond the Hospital Walls

CAT’s mission doesn’t stop at the hospital doors. The team is actively involved in community events, providing education on critical health topics such as anti-smoking and anti-vaping awareness. These efforts support long-term community health and align with RMC’s broader commitment to prevention and education.

Furthermore, while CAT is often associated with high-intensity critical care, the team is also deeply involved in end-of-life care. Laurie and Caleb take great solace in knowing that no patient will ever be alone during their final moments.

Their presence brings comfort not only to patients, but also to families and bedside staff during some of the most emotionally challenging situations in healthcare.

At its core, the Critical Assessment Team represents what is possible when expertise, compassion, and proactive care come together. Through early intervention, education, and unwavering dedication, Laurie and Caleb help ensure that patients at Regional Medical Center receive the right care promptly and efficiently. 

By catching the spark before the fire, CAT doesn’t just respond to emergencies. They prevent them, support their colleagues, and save lives, one patient at a time.

The Dangers of Radon; A Silent Risk

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Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive, colorless, odorless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rocks, and water, and it can seep into buildings through foundation cracks. While low levels are common in outdoor air, radon can build up indoors, and breathing in high concentrations over time is a major health issues.

Radon is the leading environmental cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Long-term exposure to high radon levels can cause lung cancer, including in people who have never smoked. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that around 21,000 people die from radon-associated lung cancer each year and is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.

Patients can prevent radon-associated lung cancer by testing their homes and installing radon reduction systems, if needed. Unfortunately, there is a lack of awareness about radon in the general population.

Who is Affected by Radon & What are the Dangers?

  • Everyone can be exposed! Homes, schools, and workplaces can all have elevated radon levels.
  • Smokers exposed to radon have a much higher risk of lung cancer
  • Non-smokers are also at risk—radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in people who have never smoked.
  • Risk increases with long-term exposure and higher radon concentrations

When radon is inhaled, it breaks down into radioactive particles that:

  • Become trapped in the lungs
  • Damage lung tissue over time
  • Increase the risk of lung cancer, often without early warning signs

Symptoms usually do not appear until the disease is advanced, which makes prevention and testing critical.

Respiratory Perspective: Caring for patients with Potential Radon Exposure.

From a Respiratory Therapy standpoint, radon exposure is often a silent contributor to chronic lung disease and lung cancer. Care focuses on assessment, early recognition, symptom management, and prevention education.

If you are concerned about Radon Exposure following an at home radon test, talk to your primary care provider, who may refer you to a respiratory therapist for further evaluation.

  • Obtain a detailed exposure history (home, workplace, long-term residence)
  • Assess for chronic symptoms such as:
    • Persistent Cough
    • Shortness of Breath
    • Chest discomfort
    • Recurrent respiratory infections
  • Pay close attention to non-smokers with lung disease, where radon may be an overlooked risk factor.

Depending on condition and severity, care may include:

  • Oxygen therapy for hypoxemia
  • Bronchodilator and airway clearance therapies
  • Ventilatory support (non-invasive or invasive) when respiratory failure is present
  • Symptom management for dyspnea, fatigue, and anxiety

Radon exposure is preventable, and lung cancer risk can be significantly reduced through testing, mitigation, and awareness. Knowing your radon risk could protect your lungs – and your life. At home test kits are available for purchase on the internet or at major home improvement retail outlets, but some entities do provide discounted or free kits periodically. For more information about Radon in Alabama, visit the ADPH website.

https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/radon/radon-in-alabama.html

From Safety to Smiles – How the Tyler Center’s Security Supervisor is Redefining the Role

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Anthony Henderson is no stranger to helping those in need – transferring to Anniston from RMC Jacksonville almost a decade ago, he has continued on his mission to make the patient experience his number one priority at the Tyler Center, regardless of his title.

According to Anthony, he just tries to make the patient’s time here at RMC the way he would want to be treated, with kindness and respect.

“If someone that’s here for a visit is having a bad day, the way I see it, it’s on everyone to be part of making that experience better” says Anthony. “I try to go out of my way to make sure they are okay and taken care of. Sometimes that a blanket, sometimes its a smile.”

Being centered in rehab and orthopedics, the Tyler Center sees a lot of patients that have extended care windows, and Anthony makes it a point to go out of his way to know those patients. When asked why he puts an such emphasis on the patient experience, Anthony didn’t hesitate.

“I take my job very seriously because people take their health seriously and they are choosing to come here, and sometimes they are coming here for a while. You start seeing their needs and they build that trust with you. Patients know they can call on their way and I’ll have a wheelchair waiting for them – it’s a lot for some of these patients to come out of their homes and we need to be ready to care for them when they arrive.”

On top of this, Anthony also goes above and beyond his actual security role, according to one member of the Outpatient Rehab department.

“This assistance is something he does in addition to making rounds around the building and parking deck. He can also be found picking up litter on the grounds and in the parking deck – something that really isn’t his responsibility. He also checks in with us … and I know he does the same for Outpatient Registration on the second floor. “

From kiosks to cleaning and everywhere in between, it’s no secret why Anthony Henderson is a beloved member of the Tyler Center community at RMC. On behalf of your entire RMC Family, thank you, Anthony, for always going above and beyond the call.

RMC Opens New Post-Acute Care Clinic

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RMC understands that healing doesn’t end at discharge. Our new Post-Acute Care Clinic ensures patients have the care and support they need during recovery, especially those who may not have a primary care provider or quick access to an appointment.

The clinic provides a seamless bridge between hospital and home, offering follow-up care within 72 hours to help patients manage medications, understand discharge instructions, and address any health concerns early.

By guiding patients through this important phase of recovery, RMC aims to help prevent complications and avoid hospital readmissions, while keeping the focus where it belongs — on better outcomes and healthier lives.

A LEGO Set That Makes Imaging Less Scary for Kids? RMC Just Brought It to Anniston

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Regional Medical Center and Starlight Foundation Bring New MRI LEGO® “Education  Sets” to Help Reduce Anxiety for Pediatric Patients

ANNISTON, Ala. — Regional Medical Center (RMC) has introduced a new, child-friendly resource across its imaging departments designed to make MRI and CT scans less frightening for young patients. Through a partnership with the nonprofit Starlight Foundation, RMC has received 10 MRI “education sets”, specialized LEGO® kits internationally recognized for significantly reducing pediatric anxiety during imaging procedures.

The models, which allow children to explore a miniature, movable MRI machine before their own scan, have been shown to reduce pediatric anxiety by up to 96% and a physician reported a decrease in the need for general anesthesia or sedation by 42%. The sets help children understand what the machine looks like, how it works, and what they can expect to hear or feel, creating a more predictable and empowering experience. This educational model, part of the LEGO® “Learning Through Play” initiative, has supported over one million children with their scans over 4 continents since being introduced in 2023.

“These kits are a simple but incredibly effective tool,” said Thomas Abernathy, Director of Imaging Services at RMC. “For a child who may be scared or overwhelmed, being able to touch and interact with a model can make all the difference. We’re grateful to Starlight for helping us bring this resource to families in our community.”

RMC’s imagination sets will be placed throughout the health system, so that children receiving scans across any campus will have access to the same comforting resource. The interactive models feature a screening room, waiting room, sliding bed, and a breakaway MRI machine that opens up to demonstrate the rotating magnet so that the patient can see the entire experience up close before the process begins.

“This is exactly the kind of compassionate, patient-centered care we want to bring into every corner of RMC,” said Keith Parrott, CEO of RMC. “It’s a small addition that can make a big difference on a hard day.”

The Final BEE and DAISY of 2025 – How Unit 8West is Defining the Standard of Care at RMC

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Exceptional patient care is the cornerstone of what we aim to achieve each and every day here at Regional Medical Center. For some, that high expectation is not enough, and our incredible staff finds a way to go above and beyond for those under their care. 

Each quarter, we present the BEE Award to one outstanding staff member  and the DAISY Award to one and one amazing nurse. This most recent cycle is a first, even for RMC; both winners were from the same unit!

Savannah Rodabaugh, Patient Care Tech, and Hailey Swink, Nurse both serve on our 8 West Medical / Surgical for pre and post operative care. Unit Nurse Manager Michelle Bain put it best, “It’s truly a blessing to come to work everyday with staff that give it their all – this is a wonderful crew and I am so excited they are receiving the recognition they deserve.”

Savannah has been with RMC for 2 ½ years as a Patient Care Tech and truly considers her RMC family a home away from home. Being the 10th of 12 siblings, Savannah is no stranger to fostering a sense of community, even if it is, at times, very chaotic!

Savannah also comes from a long line of those who live life with a servant’s heart – her mother served as a firefighter and nurse, her sister and two aunts also serve as nurses, and her grandfather was one of the first paramedics ever to serve in the state of Missouri. 

When asked about her favorite part of the job, Savannah said “I really enjoy actually interacting with the staff and especially the patients; learning about who they are and not just their chart.”

Savannah is planning on continuing her healthcare journey this fall by attending nursing school at Jacksonville State University with the goal of becoming an ER/Trauma nurse in the near future.

Hailey Swink started her nursing career as a student at Gadsden State Community College and after graduation, has been working at RMC now for almost 2 years after completing the Student Nurse Apprenticeship program.

Working in the diverse environment of the Medical / Surgical floor, Hailey’s coworkers describe her as “amazingly sweet” and “places patient care above all else.” Those words ring true, as Hailey has been nominated for the Daisy Award every single quarter she has worked with RMC.

Hailey attributes her compassion and consistency to the relationship with her mother, both in showing and receiving care.

“My mom was a nurse who inspired me and shaped my future,” Hailey said. “I lost my mom to COVID-19 five years ago, but she had been at RMC several times before; seeing the care she received each time she was here further confirmed that this is where I wanted to be.”

When asked further about challenges of healthcare, Hailey said “It’s patient first every day – regardless of your internal challenges, you have to leave the outside at the door. Our patients choose RMC, so it’s our responsibility to provide the best care, even when it’s difficult personally.”

Congratulations, Savannah and Hailey, from your entire RMC family on exhibiting what it truly means to be a BEE and a DAISY – by  providing consistent, exceptional care to our patients.