VALDOSTA — South Georgia Medical Center employee Chad Fernandez was hailed as a Hospital Hero Wednesday by the Hospital Authority of Valdosta-Lowndes County.

Fernandez received a check for $500 for the program for his participation in all four blood drives SGMC held for employees this year. Fernandez actually gives blood every 56 days, as often as he is allowed to, said Community Relations Coordinator Laura Love,

“We appreciate him for being so committed to giving,” said SGMC CEO James McGahee.

In other business, the Authority discussed five postpartum beds which will be repurposed back into regular patient rooms. In addition, according to Bill Forbes of the Building and Grounds Committee, the go-ahead has been given for the committee to begin the planning process for a parking deck on SGMC property.

l The Authority also heard a report from Nursing Director Ken Kiser regarding improvements in the Emergency Department.

“Two years ago, everything was so difficult and morale was so low. We have made tremendous improvement in that area, things are running smoothly and everyone is getting along and working together,” he said.

l SGMC held a drive-through flu clinic recently, and administered the regular flu vaccine to 1,200 people.

“We started early and ran out by 3 p.m. It was very successful and we hope to do another one,” said Administrator Randy Sauls.