Piedmont Fayette Hospital was recently named 2016 Large Hospital of the Year by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals.

Piedmont Fayette received the honor because of its “demonstrated commitment to improving access to care and expanding critical health services,” the Alliance noted. The award highlights a hospital’s impact on patient and the overall health and wellness of Georgians and quality of life in their community.

“What makes this award stand out is that it also recognizes the difference we make outside of the walls at Piedmont Fayette and how much we care for the community, ” Piedmont Fayette CEO Michael Burnett said.

The hospital was cited for its increasing availability of services to the uninsured and underinsured through free lab screening, diagnostic testing and flu shot clincs as well as providing free healthcare to eligible patients. The hospital also teamed with the county’s school district for concussion testing protocals for student athletes.

The hospital also worked with the school district and Southern Crescent Technical College to develop a program to bring more allied health students into a certified clinical medical assistant program or certified nursing assistant program.