[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 195 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO HUGHSTON ORTHOPEDIC HOSPITAL

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                       HON. LYNN A. WESTMORELAND

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2007

  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Speaker, the city of Columbus in Georgia's 
3rd Congressional District boasts a stellar health care community that 
enriches the well-being and quality of life for Muscogee and 
surrounding counties.
  This year, Georgia Trend magazine singled out one of those health 
care facilities, Hughston Orthopedic Hospital, for its Honor Roll, 
naming it one of the 15 best places to work in the state.
  Long known for its excellent patient care, Hughston's secret is now 
out: It also provides excellent employee care.
  One of the founders of the hospital summed up the organization's 
ethos by saying, ``It's not bricks, mortar and equipment that makes a 
hospital--it's people.''
  Employee input helps the hospital keep its edge in providing the best 
possible care. Every month, the President's Council convenes to allow 
employees to voice suggestions or concerns directly to the CEO, Don 
Avery.
  Hughston employees receive 100 percent tuition reimbursement, 
flexible working schedules, day care discounts and a special HOPE fund 
to aid employees suffering hardships. Employees who go above and beyond 
the normal call of duty receive special recognition, such as the Spirit 
of Caring award for nurses dedicated to excellent care and the Frist 
Humanitarian Award for workers who engage in community service and 
extraordinary acts of kindness.
  In 1984, Dr. Jack Hughston, known as the ``father of sports 
medicine,'' and Dr. Thomas Frist Sr. founded the hospital. Today, the 
hospital famed for its sports medicine is a 100-bed orthopedic facility 
performing spinal surgeries and joint replacements.
  Madam Speaker, I want to call special attention to the special people 
providing visionary leadership and top-notch medical care to the 
patients in the Greater Columbus area. They embody the spirit of hard 
work and compassion that keep America great.
  On behalf of the 3rd Congressional District of Georgia and this 
House, I congratulate Hughston Orthopedic Hospital on this well-
deserved recognition.

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