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Dr. Cochran to be honored as the 2026 recipient of the Jean Sumner, M.D., Commitment to Rural Care Award

A Well-Deserved Honor for Dr. J. Sydney Cochran
We are proud to share some wonderful news with our Memorial Hospital & Manor family and our community: Dr. J. Sydney Cochran has been selected as a recipient of the Jean Sumner, M.D., Commitment to Rural Care Award by the Georgia Chapter of the American College of Physicians.
Dr. Cochran will be presented with this distinguished award on October 9 in Atlanta, recognizing his extraordinary dedication to providing compassionate, high-quality healthcare to the people of rural Georgia.
The award was established by the Georgia Chapter of the American College of Physicians in 2025 to recognize physicians who demonstrate outstanding dedication to improving healthcare in rural Georgia through innovation, leadership and compassionate care. It was initially presented as the Commitment to Rural Care Award to Dr. Jean R. Sumner, dean of Mercer University School of Medicine. In recognition of Dr. Sumner’s lifelong commitment to rural healthcare, the award was subsequently renamed in her honor.
For Dr. Cochran, the recognition is especially meaningful because his commitment to rural healthcare has been lived out right here at home.
After graduating from Bainbridge High School in 1963, Dr. Cochran attended Georgia Tech and earned a degree in civil engineering before serving two years in Vietnam. It was during his military service that he was inspired to pursue medicine after witnessing physicians caring for wounded soldiers. He went on to earn his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1976 and completed his internal medicine residency in Savannah before returning home to Bainbridge.
Since 1979, Dr. Cochran has devoted his career to caring for the people of his hometown. For decades, he served as a solo internist, caring for patients in his office, at the hospital and in area nursing homes. His dedication meant being available virtually every night and weekend, often caring for a remarkable portion of the hospital’s patients.
His nomination for this award was written by Dr. Ed Grimsley, who recognized the remarkable legacy Dr. Cochran has built through a lifetime of service to his community.
And perhaps most fittingly, Dr. Cochran is celebrating this honor at the same time he recently celebrated his 81st birthday.
When asked about being selected, Dr. Cochran shared that he is very humbled and appreciative of the honor, but that serving his hometown community all these years has been his greatest reward.
We couldn’t think of a more fitting sentiment.
For nearly five decades, Dr. Cochran has given his time, his knowledge and his heart to the people of Bainbridge and surrounding communities. His life and career are a testament to what it means to come home—and stay home—to serve the people who shaped you.
All of us at Memorial Hospital & Manor are incredibly grateful for Dr. Cochran, his dedication to our patients, and the lasting impact he has made on healthcare in our community.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. J. Sydney Cochran on this very well-deserved honor. 💙 A reception for him will be held Oct 14th from 2-4pm in the downstairs classroom.
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Phyllis Jenkins -BEE Award Winner- 2nd Qtr 2026

Congratulations, Phyllis Jenkins — BEE Award Honoree!

Memorial Hospital and Manor is proud to recognize Phyllis Jenkins, a valued member of our Environmental Services (EVS) team at Memorial Manor, as a BEE Award recipient! ??

BEE stands for Being Excellent Every day. The BEE Award celebrates and honors the excellent work our non-nursing team members do every day. Just as a DAISY would not be able to grow without the help of the BEE, our nurses could not provide exceptional care without the outstanding teamwork of other healthcare professionals.

Phyllis has demonstrated a strong commitment to the residents of the Manor and to creating an environment where they feel genuinely cared for, respected, and at home. One of the things I have noticed most is the close relationships she has developed with residents and their families. Her interactions are consistently thoughtful, kind, and personal, and it is evident that she understands that caring for our residents extends well beyond simply meeting their basic needs.

Phyllis is particularly attentive to the small details that can have a significant impact on a resident’s comfort and quality of life. She takes the initiative to recognize individual needs, pays close attention to the cleanliness and condition of residents’ rooms, and takes extra steps to make sure their living spaces are comfortable and welcoming.

One example of this was a resident who was having difficulty adjusting to life at the Manor and whose family was concerned that she was becoming increasingly withdrawn. Phyllis took the time to learn more about the resident’s normal routines, preferences, and the things that made her feel comfortable at home. She recognized that the resident was particularly bothered when her room became cluttered or was not arranged the way she preferred, and Phyllis made a point of ensuring that her room remained clean, organized, and familiar to her.

More importantly, Phyllis did not stop with addressing the resident’s physical environment. She made a point of regularly checking on her, spending time talking with her, and maintaining communication with the family about how she was doing. Over time, the resident became more comfortable in her surroundings and more engaged with those around her. Her family also expressed greater confidence and reassurance knowing that someone was paying attention to the personal details that mattered to their loved one.

That example reflects what I believe is one of Phyllis’s greatest strengths. She recognizes that exceptional long-term care is often demonstrated through the small, thoughtful actions that preserve a resident’s dignity, comfort, and sense of belonging. Her compassion, attentiveness, and genuine relationships with residents and families make her a valuable part of the Manor team and positively influence the overall resident experience.

Phyllis, thank you for Being Excellent Every day and for showing us that extraordinary care is often found in the smallest details. We are grateful for everything you do for our residents, their families, and the entire Memorial Manor team! ???

#BEEAward #BeingExcellentEveryDay #MemorialHospitalAndManor #MemorialManor #TeamMHM #EmployeeRecognition #HealthcareHeroes #LongTermCare #ResidentCare #Teamwork

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Martha Poppell – DAISY Award Winner- 2nd Qtr 2026

Congratulations, Martha Poppell — DAISY Award Recipient!

Memorial Hospital and Manor is proud to recognize Martha Poppell, a nurse in our Labor & Delivery Department, as a DAISY Award honoree! ??

The DAISY Award honors nurses who demonstrate clinical excellence and compassionate care and serve as role models within our nursing community. We are proud to partner with The DAISY Foundation to recognize nurses who make an extraordinary difference in the lives of their patients.

A patient who nominated Martha shared these beautiful words:

“Mrs. Martha was amazing in helping me deliver my son. She never left my side and helped keep me calm while I was in labor.”

The patient went on to describe Martha as compassionate, attentive, and supportive, noting that she listened to her wishes and never made her feel pressured.

“She was there when I needed her and never got upset when I called her… She listened to what I had to say.”

That kind of care is what the DAISY Award is all about. Martha, thank you for providing not only exceptional nursing care, but also the comfort, compassion, reassurance, and support that can make such a meaningful difference during one of life’s most important moments.

? Congratulations, Martha! We are grateful to have you caring for our patients and families at Memorial Hospital and Manor! ??

#DAISYAward #DAISYNurse #MemorialHospitalAndManor #TeamMHM #NurseRecognition #LaborAndDelivery #NursesMakeADifference #HealthcareHeroes

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Felicia Butler -Sunshine Award Winner- 2nd Qtr 2026

Congratulations, Felicia Butler — 2nd Quarter Sunshine Award Recipient!

Memorial Hospital and Manor is proud to recognize Felicia Butler, Ward Clerk in our Labor & Delivery Department, as the recipient of the 2nd Quarter Sunshine Award! ??

The Sunshine Award recognizes healthcare team members who brighten the days of our patients, families, and fellow team members. Honorees are selected for demonstrating our Memorial Hospital and Manor values of Accountability, Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence, Compassion, Innovation, and Trust.

A patient shared this heartfelt recognition of Felicia:

“She made sure I was taken care of and made sure I had everything I needed.”

Felicia’s department manager also shared:

“She is dependable and I can count on her to do her job. She is a great employee and we are fortunate to have her in the OB department.”

Felicia, thank you for being someone our patients and team members can count on. Your dependability, compassion, and commitment to caring for others truly make a difference! ☀️

Congratulations, Felicia, and thank you for being a bright light at Memorial Hospital and Manor! ??

#SunshineAward #MemorialHospitalAndManor #TeamMHM #EmployeeRecognition #LaborAndDelivery #HealthcareHeroes #MakingADifference

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Bank OZK Contributes $100K through GA Heart Tax Credit

A huge thank you to Bank OZK⁠ for being an outstanding community partner and for directing $100,000 in Georgia state tax dollars to Memorial Hospital and Manor through the Georgia HEART Hospital Program⁠!
Following the check presentation, we had the opportunity to tour our nursing home and showcase some of the exciting upgrades currently underway—improvements made possible in part through the generous support received through this program. Seeing these projects firsthand is a great reminder of the impact local tax dollars can have when they are invested right back into the communities they serve.
We are incredibly grateful for Bank OZK’s commitment to helping us enhance the care environment for our residents, patients, families, and team members.
If you would like to learn how you can participate in the Georgia HEART program and keep your state tax dollars working locally, please contact Jamie Sinko at [email protected] or visit the Georgia HEART website⁠ for more information.
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Lang Mechanical Contributes $77,500 through GA Heart Tax Credit

We are proud to recognize and thank Lang Mechanical, Inc. for their generous Georgia HEART Tax Credit contribution of $77,500, along with the additional contributions made by their employees in support of Memorial Hospital and Manor.
“Lang Mechanical, Inc. is happy to participate in the Georgia HEART Program that allows us to contribute directly to worthy organizations like Memorial Hospital and Manor. The hospital plays a vital role in providing quality healthcare to Decatur County residents, and the funds available through this state program help strengthen its ability to deliver those essential services to our community.” Ashley Lang – Owner
We are incredibly grateful for this investment in the health of our community.
Memorial Hospital and Manor CEO LaDon Toole shared, “We are sincerely thankful to Lang Mechanical and their employees for believing in our mission and choosing to invest in the future of healthcare in our community. Their generosity through the Georgia HEART Program helps us continue providing high-quality care close to home while allowing us to invest in new technology, facility improvements, and services that directly benefit the patients and families we serve. Partnerships like this make a lasting difference, and we are truly grateful for their support.”
Thank you, Lang Mechanical, for helping us continue our mission of delivering courteous, respectful, safe, and quality care to every patient, every time. Together, we’re building a healthier future for Decatur County.
Funds received through the Georgia HEART Program have enabled Memorial Hospital and Manor to make significant investments in patient care, including facility improvements, updated medical technology, equipment purchases, and other projects that directly benefit the communities served by the hospital.
Individuals and businesses interested in participating in the Georgia HEART Hospital Program and supporting Memorial Hospital and Manor can contact Jamie Sinko, Director of Development, at 229-220-4591 to learn more or enroll. Additional information about the program is available at www.georgiaheart.org.
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Dr. Lisa Martin voted Best Optometrist in the 2026 Best of Bainbridge Readers’ Choice Awards!

Congratulations to Dr. Lisa Martin!
Everyone at Memorial Hospital and Manor is proud to congratulate Dr. Lisa Martin on being voted Best Optometrist in the 2026 Best of Bainbridge Readers’ Choice Awards!
This well-deserved honor reflects Dr. Martin’s commitment to delivering exceptional eye care with compassion, expertise, and a patient-first approach. Her dedication to helping our community protect and improve their vision has made a lasting impact on countless patients.
Congratulations, Dr. Martin, on this outstanding achievement, and thank you for your continued commitment to serving our community with excellence! ??
Our Community. Our Hospital.
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Kyle Kelley – voted 2026 Best Family Physician in the Readers’ Choice Awards

Congratulations to Kyle Kelley, FNP!

Memorial Hospital and Manor is proud to congratulate Kyle Kelley, FNP, on being voted Best Family Physician in the 2026 Best of Bainbridge Readers’ Choice Awards!

This recognition is a reflection of Kyle’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to providing exceptional care to our patients and community every day. We are proud to have him as part of the Memorial Hospital and Manor family and grateful for the difference he makes in the lives of so many.

Congratulations, Kyle, and thank you for your outstanding service to our community! ??

Our Community. Our Hospital.

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Memorial Hospital & Manor named Level I Maternal Care Verified Facility from Joint Commission

(Bainbridge, Ga 6/11/26) – Joint Commission’s Maternal Levels of Care (MLC) Verification program, offered in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), has named Memorial Hospital & Manor as a Level I maternal care verified facility.
As a Level I facility, Memorial Hospital & Manor has demonstrated it can care for comprehensive care for low- to moderate-risk pregnancies, including antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum services.
Memorial Hospital & Manor underwent a comprehensive on-site review on 6/11/26 to verify the level of care provided. During the on-site verification visit, Memorial Hospital & Manor’s capabilities related to maternity care were evaluated. Additionally, compliance with Memorial Hospital & Manor’s policies reviewed.
The MLC Verification program provides an objective assessment of a facility’s capabilities and verifies that a hospital has the expertise, equipment and resources in place for a patient’s specific needs and risk level. When complications arise, verification also confirms hospitals have agreements in place so the mother can be transferred to a higher-level facility with the appropriate level of care.
Judy Godwin, BSN, RNC-OB, LDRP Nurse Manager states; ”We have a full OB/GYN team, certified nurse midwives, and a neonatal resuscitation-trained staff. We are proud to be recognized for our work to achieve better outcomes for mothers and babies. 
“Joint Commission commends Memorial Hospital & Manor for being named a Level I maternal care verified facility and for its efforts to standardize maternal care and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing executive, Joint Commission. “The Maternal Levels of Care Verification program will help Memorial Hospital & Manor strengthen regionalized care for mothers and babies in its community.”
The MLC Verification program was developed using ACOG’s Levels of Maternal Care Obstetric Care Consensus (OCC) clinical guidance, which includes comprehensive uniform definitions, a standardized description of maternity facility capabilities and personnel, and a framework for integrated systems that address maternal health needs. To learn more, visit Joint Commission’s website.
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Marsha Carter – BEE Award Recipient – 1st Qtr 2026

Please help us congratulate Marsha Carter for being named the 1st Quarter 2026 BEE Award recipient at Memorial Hospital and Manor! ?
Marsha was nominated by a patient family member who shared how much her kindness and compassion meant during a stressful and uncertain time. From the moment they arrived in the ER, Marsha provided a welcoming smile and calming reassurance that immediately helped ease anxiety.
One small but meaningful act that stood out was when Marsha gladly shared a charger so the family member could keep communication open with loved ones at home while staying by her husband’s side. Throughout the weekend, Marsha continued to greet them with a smile and wave each time she buzzed them into the hospital — simple gestures that became a bright light during a difficult experience.
The BEE Award recognizes team members who go above and beyond in living out our mission of delivering courteous, respectful, safe, and quality care to every patient, every time. Marsha’s compassion, thoughtfulness, and genuine care for others are a wonderful example of that mission in action.
Congratulations, Marsha, and thank you for the difference you make for our patients, families, and team every day! ?