Piedmont Newton Hospital

11/04/2025

Piedmont Newton Hospital has officially earned Primary Stroke Center certification from its accrediting body, Det Norske Veritas Healthcare, Inc. (DNV) a major step forward in providing life-saving stroke care right here in our community.. This certification means we can treat most stroke patients without transferring them to larger facilities, ensuring faster, more effective care close to home.

Just ask Quinton Smith, 40, who suffered a stroke in June while washing his car with his six-year-old son. Living just 12 minutes from Piedmont Newton, Quinton received immediate care that saved his life. Today, he says he’s “on top of the world” and “feeling better every day.” He recently returned to thank his care team for giving him more time with his son.

📊 Georgia’s stroke death rate is 30% higher than the national average, but thanks to high-quality care at Piedmont Newton, we’re working to change that one patient at a time..

10/30/2025

The Piedmont Newton Hospital Emergency Department proudly recognized Suzanne Ward from Jasper County Fire Rescue as the recipient of the EMS Hero Award for this quarter. This award honors emergency medical services providers who make a significant impact on patient care in our community.

Suzanne was selected for her exceptional skill and professionalism during a critical situation, successfully intubating an infant in cardiac arrest. Her calm approach and dedication exemplify the highest standards of emergency care.

Hospital leaders joined Jasper County Fire Chief Christopher Finch to present the award during a leadership huddle at Piedmont Newton. We are grateful for Suzanne’s commitment to saving lives and serving our community.

10/22/2025

Covington resident Robyn Harris Dye, 70, had surgery this summer to remove a suspicious lump found during a mammogram at the Women’s Diagnostic Center at Piedmont Newton. Thanks to expanded access to reconstructive care through the Piedmont Clinic, Robyn was able to have her lumpectomy and follow-up care close to home.

Following her procedure, Robyn received the best news—no breast cancer. With peace of mind about her health, she’s now focused on what matters most: her grandchildren and her online health and beauty business.

10/13/2025

Thank you to everyone in the community who supported our Clays for a Cause fundraiser! By coming out to strike down clays, you are helping us strike down cancer! We raised over $200,000 for the Piedmont Newton Oncology Fund this year.

10/10/2025

We'd like to take the opportunity on World Mental Health Day to introduce a new staff member at Piedmont Newton. Marie Piquant is a board-certified mental health nurse, who will assist with evaluating patients in the hospital for behavioral health concerns. We know Marie will make a positive difference in every life she touches here at Piedmont Newton!

10/02/2025

The Cinderella Shop is back in a new beautiful location on Mill Street in Covington! This upscale women's resale boutique, a community fixture since 1992, recently had their new location remodeled. Shopping at The Cinderella Shop is truly guilt-free because you make a positive difference for patients at Piedmont Newton Hospital with every purchase. Come see us at 4152 Mill Street, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We ask that anyone interested in donating their gently used upscale ladies clothing and accessories call 770-784-7330 to schedule drop-off. We can't wait to see our longtime customers--and new faces!

10/01/2025

Kenya Buggs, 32, had a liver transplant this summer at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital —just seven months after giving birth to her daughter. Kenya needed a new liver because she has autoimmune hepatitis, a disease in which the immune system attacks the liver. October is Liver Disease Awareness Month, and Kenya wants to raise awareness of the importance of early detection of autoimmune hepatitis and other liver diseases to prevent liver damage. She also wants people to know that not all liver diseases are alcohol-related—hers isn’t. Kenya’s transplant hepatologist, Dr. Devina Bhasin, says patients should talk to their primary care doctor about available screening. Today, Kenya is thriving back at home in Warm Springs, Georgia with her new baby and new liver, thanks to the great care she received from Piedmont Transplant Institute.

09/30/2025

Our staff at Piedmont Newton want to take great care of the community, inside and out of the hospital. This fall, we partnered once again with the Newton County School System on their annual Can-A-Thon. Piedmont Newton staff members and leaders made a positive difference by donating 1,250 canned and non-perishable food items to the Newton Community Food Pantry on Turner Lake Road in Covington.

09/25/2025

Here's a preview of our latest Living Real Change Podcast episode: Su***de Prevention and Overcoming the Mental Health Stigma

In this powerful Living Real Change Podcast, Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Piedmont Eastside Brian Wright, M.D., sheds light and shares insight on one of today’s most urgent public health crises: su***de. Click here to listen: https://youtu.be/PzJtAXhq6jw.

09/24/2025

If the agenda is ending pancreatic cancer, here’s our agenda.

Piedmont Oncology has put together a half day conference with the most respected voices in research, surgery and care. Our all-star lineup features medical thought leaders in early detection, precision medicine and multidisciplinary care. These are the experts shaping the future, saving lives and providing hope.

Click here to learn more and see the full agenda: https://www.piedmont.org/cancer/pancreatic-liver/pancreas-conference

09/19/2025

Joel Neighbors had high calcium buildup noted by a doctor nearly 10 years ago. When the doctor moved away, he never followed up. Joel was referred to Dr. Neetu Reddy with Piedmont Physicians of Jasper last year.

During each office visit, Dr. Reddy insisted Joel get further tests, noting her concern for his high calcium score from a decade ago. Finally taking her advice, he made an appointment with a cardiologist, and an echocardiogram revealed Joel had approximately 90% blocked arteries, which could ultimately lead to a heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening conditions. As a result, Joel had multiple bypass surgeries in February and is now living a healthier life!

Joel couldn't believe Dr. Reddy dug so deep going back years in his file— not treating him as just a number but provided compassionate, hassle-free care. He encourages others to establish a relationship with a primary care provider, because even if you have no symptoms or pain, getting regular checkups and following up could be lifesaving.

To find a primary care provider near you, visit Piedmont.org/PrimaryCare.

09/17/2025

September marks National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month. Ashish Bhimani, M.D., Chief of Electrophysiology at the Piedmont Heart Institute, says it is important to increase awareness of atrial fibrillation and other common conditions treated by electrophysiology. Without treatment, AFib can lead to blood clots, stroke, dementia and heart failure.

Learn more about signs and symptoms of AFib and how you can manage modifiable risk factors: https://www.piedmont.org/about-piedmont-healthcare/media-room/stories/news-article?story=5603&type=1.

09/16/2025

It was great to see the community come together at Legion Field to support the Covington (Ga.) Police Department at their 42nd annual Fuzz Run. More than 30 Piedmont Newton team members made a positive difference by walking, running or helping hand out over 1,000 electrolyte popsicles to race finishers.

Thanks to our first responder partners with Central EMS for being on standby in case of any medical emergencies or first aid needs. We are looking forward to seeing everyone next year!

09/15/2025

Tickets are still available to Piedmont Oncology’s inaugural Luminaria Gala on October 25 at Flourish Atlanta. Presented by Brasfield & Gorrie and emceed by WSB-TV's Wendy Corona, this night of hope and celebration will illuminate a new tomorrow in discovery, innovation, and leading-edge cancer care for the more 14,000 newly diagnosed cancer patients we care for each year throughout Georgia.

Learn more and get your tickets today at piedmontluminaria.org. Lockton Companies Truist Brainlab Atlanta Breast Care, PC Amwins

09/11/2025

Piedmont Transplant Institute and Piedmont Heart Institute surgeons have performed an innovative joint liver-heart transplant. The joint transplant for an adult patient is the first in Georgia in a decade, and just the second adult procedure performed in the state.

Piedmont is a destination for healthcare as Piedmont Atlanta is one of the busiest transplant centers in the country. Since the first in 2005, over 2,100 liver transplants have been performed at Piedmont Atlanta. There was a 24% increase in heart transplants this past fiscal year compared to the year prior. Click here to learn more: https://www.piedmont.org/about-piedmont-healthcare/media-room/stories/news-article?story=5543&type=1.

09/09/2025

Surgical Director of Heart Transplant and Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) Program at Piedmont Heart Institute Dr. Ezequiel Molina shares how his team is tackling one of the Southeast’s most pressing health challenges. From lifesaving LVAD implants and record-setting transplant programs to groundbreaking heart-kidney procedures, Dr. Molina explains why early diagnosis matters, how cutting-edge therapies are changing lives and what’s ahead for heart failure treatment in the next decade.

The Living Real Change podcast is available on all major platforms.
Apple: https://apple.co/3T4qTDX
Spotify: https://sptfy.com/QdjQ

09/07/2025

Ellen White from St. Simons Island never expected to become a patient at Piedmont, but the quality care and compassionate support she received inspired her to give back.

Despite experiencing fatigue and pain, Ellen drove to Columbus to help her granddaughter with a school project— only to end up needing help at the Piedmont Columbus Northside Emergency Department, where doctors discovered she had suffered a massive heart attack. She was rushed to Piedmont Columbus Midtown, where surgeons inserted two life-saving stents. Her recovery took a turn when she was later diagnosed with kidney failure and spent several days in the ICU at Piedmont Columbus Northside. Thanks to Piedmont’s high-quality care, Ellen is now regaining her strength and even traveled to Rhode Island in July!

To show her gratitude, Ellen made a donation through the Piedmont Foundation's Thank a Caregiver program, honoring registered nurse Billy Brewer, Dr. Fnu Sonia, and the ICU team whose kindness made all the difference. Want to honor a Piedmont caregiver who impacted your journey? Visit: piedmont.org/gratitude.

09/04/2025

On September 4, 2024, Apalachee High School was rocked by tragedy when two teachers and two students lost their lives and nine other victims were hospitalized. Today we honor the memory of those lost, the resiliency of the Apalachee community, and the heroes who rallied around them.

David Phenix, an Apalachee High School special education teacher was shot twice that day and EMS rushed him to Piedmont Athens Regional for care. There he found more than just treatment, he found a team committed to providing the highest quality care, so he could return to the life he loves.

From walking his daughter down the aisle to returning to the classroom, David’s journey is a powerful affirmation of gratitude for each moment and our ability to make a positive difference in every life we touch.

David Phenix, a teacher at Apalachee High School, recounts the tragic event on September 4, 2024, and the quality of care he received by the staff at Piedmon...

09/03/2025

Justin and Breana Hendrix struggled for 10 years to get pregnant. They went through failed attempts at Intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization and timed cycles. Under the high-quality care of the Piedmont Physicians Surgical Specialists and Bariatrics team, they both had minimally invasive gastric bypass surgery in 2023 at Piedmont Columbus Regional Northside. Justin and Breana both lost nearly 180 pounds!

Their prayers were answered when they welcomed a baby boy named Maverick into the world last month! Breana says they’re blessed beyond measure and are all healthy.

Visit Piedmont.org/Bariatrics to learn more about our weight loss services and how you can take that first step in your journey.

09/03/2025

Illuminate hope. Advance care.

Join us at Piedmont Oncology Luminaria, where every light honors a life and every step forward is powered by your support. With the leadership of Dr. Wally Curran and , we’re transforming cancer care across Georgia- delivering high-quality, compassionate treatment and driving groundbreaking research.

Secure your tickets today at piedmontluminaria.org.

With deep gratitude, we thank our generous sponsors whose unwavering support helps bring light, healing, and hope to countless lives. Your commitment is making a .

Brasfield & Gorrie Lockton Companies Truist Brainlab Atlanta Breast Care, PC Amwins

08/12/2025

Thank you to Snapping Shoals EMC for inviting us to your annual meeting at the International Horse Park!

Twenty Piedmont Newton team members engaged with the EMC employees on a variety of health, wellness and safety topics. Our team performed 150 blood pressure checks. This is another example of how Piedmont brings hassle free care to the communities we serve.

08/08/2025

Our imaging team at Piedmont Newton is happy to share that patients in the Covington area who need a cardiac CT can now get one close to home. We have a brand-new computed tomography (CT) machine capable of scanning the heart to help cardiologists spot potential problems in a non-invasive way.

Between this latest addition to our imaging technology and the heart failure clinic that opened last month, more Piedmont Newton patients can get the care they need to stay heart-healthy without leaving the community.

07/21/2025

Piedmont has expanded access to outpatient heart failure care with the opening the Piedmont Newton Heart Failure Clinic. This location offers comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to help patients to stabilize their condition, to prevent disease progression and to reduce the risk of readmission to the hospital.

Experienced providers manage medication, provide education to patients and caregivers about symptom recognition and medication adherence, and closely monitor and tracking outcomes. We are thankful for the Newton County Chamber of Commerce for their partnership.

06/12/2025

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Piedmont Newton employees donated over 150 items to support participants in the Newton County Resource Court! These donations help reward positive progress and encourage continued success in managing mental health and substance use challenges. Together, we’re building a healthier and safer community.