CovingtonCares Magazine - Spring/Summer 2024

as she was progressing, about encouraging her to do stuff on her own. Because, especially after you’ve been laid up in a bed for a while, it’s really easy to let everybody do everything for you.” The experience reminded Goff of a conversation he had during a trip to Jackson. He’s the executive editor of the weekly newspaper in Collins, The News-Commercial. His grandfather James D. Arrington Sr. founded the paper in 1931. Goff’s grandmother and late father took it over in the 1950s. His mother became the publisher in 2001. Hospital Ties Goff’s grandfather helped found Covington County Hospital when he was mayor of Collins. Goff’s father served on the hospital board. The folks in Jackson didn’t know any of that. One of them was seeking a swing bed program for a relative. “The person said, ‘We would just love to get them into Covington County Hospital in Collins. We hear it’s the best,’” Goff recalled. Goff replied, “Yes, it is! Do you need a phone number or someone to contact?” The recently retired Dr. Word Johnston, M.D., oversaw Goff’s mother’s treatment. “He was great, of course,” Goff said. “He’s a lifelong family friend.” Great Care Goff praised the hospital staff for the great care that was given to his mother during her time in the hospital. Every single person there should be commended, he said. “The nursing and physical therapy staff are top-notch. Once we started to progress, they began to tailor therapy around the goal of going home and the ability to function at home,” said Goff. As for the family’s latest swing bed experience, Goff said his mother came out feeling better than she had in months. “She’s getting around and feels great and seems to be doing really well,” he said. “She’s even back at the office.” LEARNMORE To learn more about the swing bed program or schedule an appointment, call 601.698.0130 or 601.698.0132. You can also ask your hospital case manager or social worker to fax a referral to 601.698.0306 . CovingtonCares 21 SWING BED SERVICES OFFERED The hospital staff works as a team to provide high-quality care for swing bed patients. Our highly skilled staff includes board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses working alongside physical, occupational, and speech therapists to maximize the rehabilitation potential for each patient and return the patient to the quality of life they deserve. Covington County Hospital’s swing bed program includes: • Respiratory therapy • Wound care • Occupational, physical, and speech therapies • Individualized dietary planning (registered dietitian) • Activities programming • Discharge planning • Licensed provider on-site 24/7 Analyn Goff James Arrington Goff