More than 40 community leaders gathered at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Barrow as the hospital showed off its newly renovated emergency department waiting area on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Winder. At the event, NGMC Barrow also announced that it is now one of the first three hospitals in Georgia to have its emergency department designated by the state for pediatric care. The hospital has been named a Level III Pediatric Readiness Center, joining NGMC Braselton as a Level III center and NGMC Gainesville as a Level II center.
When people of all ages need emergency care in Barrow County, they’ll be in for an improved experience when they go to their local hospital. More than 40 community leaders gathered at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Barrow last week to cut the ribbon for its newly renovated emergency department waiting area.
“This renovation brings our emergency department’s space up to match the high level of care our team provides by ensuring increased comfort, privacy, efficiency and safety,” said John Neidenbach, hospital administrator for NGMC Barrow. “We have worked to steadily improve our facilities and processes, which has paid off for the community in a big way – as the hospital has been recognized as an accredited Primary Stroke Center and a state-designated, Level III Emergency Cardiac Care Center.”
Neidenbach also announced NGMC Barrow recently became one of the first three hospitals in Georgia to have its emergency department designated by the state for pediatric care. NGMC Barrow is now a Level III Pediatric Readiness Center, joining NGMC Braselton as a Level III center and NGMC Gainesville as a Level II center.
“This means we are capable of the initial evaluation and stabilization of critically ill children and can provide appropriate, timely transfer to a higher level of care if needed,” said Akhil Saraswat, MD, medical director of NGMC Barrow’s emergency department. “Simply put, if you live in the area and your child needs emergency care, seconds count – don’t drive straight to Atlanta. Bring them to NGMC Barrow where we can provide immediate treatment and fast-track them to our partners in Gainesville or Atlanta if needed.”
NGMC Barrow’s emergency department has also earned the prestigious Lantern Award for excellence in emergency care from the national Emergency Nurses Association and is accredited for pain and addiction care by the American College of Emergency Physicians.
The newly renovated ED waiting area now has more seats, improved triage areas and enhanced security all designed to minimize wait times.
“We strive to make sure people know they can trust and take pride in their local hospital being here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year,” said Neidenbach. “Our staff lives and works in this area, and they are committed to improving the health of our community in all we do.”
Learn more at nghs.com/barrow.