THOMASVILLE — Despite a few staff changes, officials at Archbold Memorial Hospital said their radiology department is capable of delivering top-notch service to patients.

Following the departure of a number of radiologists in recent months, Dr. James L. Story, Archbold president, said the radiology staff at the hospital remains full.

“We offer the same service here now as we always have,” he said. “We have always had excellent radiologists here, and we have excellent radiologists today.”

Joe Barrow, director of radiology, said the number of patients being seen has not decreased. In fact, the department saw a five percent increase in its number of patients for the month of July, he said.

Barrow said the department uses the latest in X-ray imaging such as CT scans, ultrasounds and mammograms. Using this technology enables the hospital to provide more effective treatment for broken bones, trauma, cancer and cardiovascular illness.

Dr. Mary Anne Bullard, radiologist, said the hospital handles all its patients’ radiology needs, from referrals to procedures to diagnosis. Archbold also provides interventional radiology, to determine whether patients need treatment before serious problems arise.

Dr. Rex Teeslink, interventional radiologist, said the entire staff offers patients a unique brand of health care.

“It’s not just the doctors and the physicians, but its the technical support and the equipment we have,” he said.

“Then there’s the post-operation care that takes place,” said Teeslink, who served as head of vascular and interventional radiology at the Medical College of Georgia for 35 years. “It’s a unique situation here at Archbold. From a physician’s standpoint — from someone who has had the experience of knowing what goes on medically in the state of Georgia — it’s a unique situation here.”

The Archbold radiology staff consists of seven radiologists, and a about 55 registered nurses, medical and support personnel. Story said that earlier this year, the unit was named the No. 1 radiology department in the state in customer service and satisfaction by the Volunteer Hospitals of America Association.

Upon completion of Archbold’s East Tower, a $14.3 million addition to the hospital that should be completed by January, much of the radiology department will have a new home. Story said the new facilities will allow for even more advances in patient care.

“We continue to take care of our patients, just like we always have,” Story said. “We’re doing things here that not many hospitals are doing in this state. We will continue to stay on the cutting edge of radiology.”



To contact reporter Brewer Turley, call (229) 226-2400, ext. 226.