For this year’s Physician/Provider of the Year, we felt it was only fitting to recognize the tremendous loss we as well as our community experienced last year. In August 2024, Shay Chapman, a dedicated, well-loved, and deeply respected provider at Amelia Medical Plaza, departed from our organization and this world far too soon. Shay will always be remembered for the beautiful spirit she was, the care she gave so selflessly, and the profound impact she had on those around her. Her legacy of compassion, kindness, and excellence continues to inspire us each day. Gone but never forgotten.

The Delores “Delo” Eidson Award

Given to a Memorial Manor or Willow Ridge employee whose commitment to serving residents consistently extends beyond assigned responsibilities and whose caring efforts are inspirations to all. Nominees are judged on such qualities as dependability, respectfulness, and efficient patient care. This year’s recipient is described as dedicated, dependable, has a gift of giving, friendly, goes beyond the call of duty, very loving, and hardworking. Her leader says she comes in early to help and is always willing to go the extra mile to provide for the residents! This year’s Delores “Delo” Eidson Award goes to Shemeka Baulkman!

Julia C Rogers “Excellence in Service” Award

Presented to a MHM employee whose commitment to serving patients consistently extends beyond assigned responsibilities and whose caring efforts are an inspiration to all. Nominees are judged on their dependability, courteousness, consideration, respectfulness and helpfulness. This year’s recipient is described as a wonderful example of the kind of employee we should highlight with an award. She has been committed to this organization over 20 years and works with a focus on how to make us what we should be. She is kind and generous with patients, staff, and providers. When help is needed, she is the first to simply step in and figure out how to help. She cares deeply about her role and its impact on the patients and our organization. This year’s recipient of the Julia C. Roger Award is Cassandra “Candy” Harvey!

Memorial Hospital and Manor is proud to announce a new partnership with First Port City Bank to launch the First Port City Bank Marvalynn Carroll Honorary Scholarship Program. This scholarship initiative is designed to support and invest in the future of healthcare and technical professionals within our community.

Named in honor of longtime community advocate Marvalynn Carroll, the program provides financial assistance to individuals pursuing degrees and certifications in healthcare professions and technical fields. In exchange, recipients commit to a service agreement supporting the local healthcare system.

Eligible candidates include:

• Memorial Hospital and Manor employees with at least one year of continuous employment.
• High school seniors and recent graduates pursuing a healthcare degree or technical certification at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) or Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC).

Scholarship funds may be applied to tuition, fees, and required textbooks.

“This partnership represents a shared commitment to strengthening the future of healthcare in our region,” said Karen Williams, HR Director. “We are grateful to First Port City Bank for their investment in our workforce and in the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

For more information or to apply, contact Memorial Hospital and Manor HR at 229-243-6161

Click for full program information

Click here for application

Applications can be returned to [email protected]  You can also drop off or mail the application to: 1500 E. Shotwell St. Bainbridge, GA 39819 C/O HR

Please help us in congratulating Cynthia “CC” Close for winning the 1^st Qtr 2025 BEE Award!!

Below is what was said regarding CC:

I am nominating Cynthia Close (CC) for the BEE Award for many reasons. She is a very hard worker. She works what seems like every day. She greets me with a big smile and fun or kind words every morning that I come to work. She seems to always be in a great mood even though like everyone else, I know she has hard days. If she has any negativity, she does not bring it to work with her. She never meets a stranger and makes everyone feel as if they are important to her. I see her interact with other staff, doctors, patients and visitors in the hall all the same way. You never know where you may see her throughout the hospital. If there is a need CC makes her way to it to do her part. The ED staff would not know what to do without her. I have told her that she can never ever leave us! She says she won’t and I believe her! We miss her when she is not here. Although she is my co-worker, I also consider her my friend. I feel sure that everyone who knows her, feels the same way! I tell her that she does a great job and that I appreciate her often but with this nomination, I hope she knows that i mean it!

Congratulations, CC!

Please help us congratulate Ann Frank for winning the 1^st Qtr 2025 Sunshine Award!!

Below is what Ann’s nominator had to say about her:

Miss Ann always has a smile on her face. She is willing to help her co-workers and other departments. Anytime I have asked Miss Ann for assistance, she has been willing to help. I have seen Miss Ann help pass out trays to patients in her department and other departments. I have also seen Miss Ann assist with preparing patient rooms for the acceptance of new patients. I see Miss Ann also brings documentation Tele-monitor strips, (ECHO results) down to the doctors if its information that the Physician needs to see ASAP. Miss Ann is pleasant and willing to go out of her way to make sure the job is done correctly and efficiently.

Congratulations!

Please congratulate Larsyn Gill on being our 1^st Qtr 2025 Daisy Award Winner!!

Below is what a patient had to say about her care from Larsyn:

I truly am so thankful for each of the incredible nurses and doctors I’ve had while giving birth at Memorial Hospital and Manor, but I am most thankful for nurse Larsyn. She was incredibly kind, supportive, patient and you can tell she loves what she does. She taught our birthing class and was extremely well educated on every topic. She answered every question and every concern and was caring. However, I am even more thankful for how she was an incredible nurse! She was extremely supportive, understanding, and patient. She was always quick to listen. She made sure I was comfortable and handled every situation quickly and professionally. During my delivery she was extremely kind, caring, and genuinely supported me to the very end. She encouraged me through every contraction and every push. She even stayed a couple minutes after her shift to come check on us and to help with the baby latching correctly. I truly couldn’t be more thankful to have been blessed with such a great birthing experience and most of that was because of how above and beyond Larsyn went for us. She is an incredible nurse and I would recommend her to any and every one. I’m truly thankful to this incredible team and my extraordinary nurse, Larsyn Gill.

Congratulations Larsyn!!

Please join us in welcoming LaDon Toole, as our new CEO. He brings a wealth of experience and leadership that will help drive our hospital forward, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead under his guidance. LaDon is originally from this area and is excited to have returned home. He looks forward to making Memorial Hospital and Manor the best place to work and come for medical care!

When Memorial Hospital first began operations on April 4, 1960, it employed approximately 60 people. Today, Memorial Hospital and Manor have grown into one of the largest employers in the area, providing meaningful and lucrative careers to nearly 510 individuals from Bainbridge and the surrounding communities. This remarkable expansion highlights their unyielding devotion to workshopping the healthcare needs of Decatur County while simultaneously strengthening the economic foundation of Bainbridge, Georgia.

This award recognizes a business that has significantly bolstered the region’s economic vitality through business expansion, job creation, infrastructure investment, and engagement in activities that benefit the community and its residents. The company must also demonstrate outstanding corporate citizenship by giving back to the community it operates in and fostering a corporate culture that improves the lives of its employees.

Over the years, Memorial Hospital and Manor has continuously expanded and upgraded its facilities and services to meet the needs of a diverse and growing population. Their influence spans various establishments dedicated to the health and well-being of both residents and visitors. These facilities include two long-term care centers, an intensive care unit, a Level II Emergency Department, the Kirbo Women’s Center, Willow Ridge Personal Care Facility, Memorial Medical Center, Memorial Pediatrics, Amelia Medical, Memorial Eye Care, and many more.

Beyond offering these services, Memorial Hospital and Manor plays a particularly crucial role: it is the sole hospital within a 45-mile radius serving five counties with maternal health services. At a time when many hospitals have regrettably discontinued this vital service, Memorial Hospital and Manor continue to be unwavering in their commitment to caring for expectant mothers and their families. This dedication powerfully reflects their mission.

Glennie Cox Bench, who is the Chairperson of the Hospital Authority for Memorial Hospital and Manor, is deeply committed. Recognizing the untapped potential, effectively managing the financial aspects, and are poised to introduce new and exciting facilities and services for the community. “Our goal is to transform Bainbridge into a small healthcare hub,” Bench said. “Encouraging people to come here instead of heading to Dothan, Tallahassee, Albany, or Thomasville.”

Memorial Hospital and Manor transcend its role as a mere healthcare provider; it stands as a crucial pillar of Decatur County’s economic robustness and a valuable treasure to the Chamber of Commerce. By dedicating resources to infrastructure, employment opportunities, and top-tier medical care, the hospital significantly bolsters the region’s commerce. By ensuring access to quality healthcare, it supports local businesses in attracting and retaining employees, a key driver of economic growth.

Memorial Hospital and Manor have consistently worked hand in hand with the Chamber to champion initiatives that benefit the community. Whether it’s participating in job fairs, sponsoring events, or lending their expertise to conversations about the future of Bainbridge and Decatur County, the hospital’s leadership and support have been instrumental in the Chamber’s success. Their engagement underscores their commitment to creating a thriving community, not just for today but for generations to come.

Memorial Hospital and Manor have a long-standing tradition of giving back to the community they serve, fostering a culture of care and collaboration that enriches the lives of both their employees and the residents. Their contributions extend well beyond healthcare, impacting nearly every facet of community life.

When assessing the qualities that deem a business deserving of the Corporate Citizen Award, Memorial Hospital and Manor emerge as outstanding candidates. Their remarkable efforts for Decatur County’s economic prosperity, unshakeable commitment to community wellness, and steadfast commitment to essential services like maternity services make them ideal candidates for this esteemed recognition.