HELLO, EVERYONE! I’m Thomas Blackledge, MD, and I have the honor of serving as the Chief of Staff at Covington County Hospital. As a proud provider of Covington County Hospital, I continue to feel privileged to care for the communities that mean so much to us and to work as part of a team that is deeply committed to serving our neighbors with compassion and excellence. Our dedicated professionals at Covington County Hospital remain focused on providing exceptional care to every patient who walks through our doors. Every day, our physicians, nurses, and staff work together to ensure that our community receives the high-quality healthcare it deserves. Over the past several months, we’ve experienced some exciting developments that will continue to strengthen the care we provide. One of the most significant milestones for our hospital has been the successful implementation of Epic. This new system allows our care teams to communicate more effectively, access important patient information quickly, and coordinate care across departments in ways that ultimately enhance both safety and the patient experience. We’re also excited to welcome two outstanding providers to our medical community. Mary Kathryn Dossett, FNP, has joined CCH Clinic Family Medical and brings a strong commitment to caring for families in our region. Her dedication to patient-centered care is a tremendous asset to the clinic and to the patients she serves. I am personally pleased to welcome Dave Johnson, PA-C, to CCH Clinic Magee. His experience and devotion to quality healthcare will help continue the strong tradition of service our Magee clinic provides. In addition, I would like to recognize the tireless efforts of Billie Ward. Many of the most important parts of healthcare happen behind the scenes, often without recognition from those outside the hospital. Billie’s work represents the kind of diligence and attention to detail that supports our clinical teams and ensures patients receive the seamless care they expect and deserve. While patients may never see the countless hours that go into this work, they experience the results every day. It is truly an honor to work alongside such talented and compassionate professionals who share a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our community. Thank you for trusting Covington County Hospital with your care. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you. Thomas Blackledge, MD MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF STAFF 2026 Spring/Summer 4
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