The hospital launched the shuttle service in 2010 with the purchase of an “EZ Go” shuttle cart to assist visitors and patients alike.  Since then the service has exceeded expectations.  “The service had been a goal of auxiliary President Betty Baugham for a couple of years,” stated Charlie Martin of Heron Bay, Chair Person for the Courtesy Shuttle Service, “but no one expected to carry over 10,000 visitors in just a few months.”  Mr. Martin believes visitors enjoy the lift, especially in inclement weather or if the walk is too difficult; about 80 riders daily make use of the service. 

Auxiliary Services looks upon this program as close to a ministry.  Reverend Barry Jones stated “many visitors like to have a friendly face greet them, and sometimes they also need someone to talk to.  We can do both and are there to talk if someone needs comforting.” 

Drivers receive both cart and safety training classes before beginning their work with the Courtesy Shuttle Service.  With the growing popularity of the service Mr. Martin is exploring the possibility of expanding the hours and days the service is offered.  He is also looking for additional drivers.  Anyone interested in volunteering as a shuttle driver or in any other function should contact the hospital Auxiliary Services by calling 770-228-2721, extension 3163.

Spalding Regional Medical Center, part of Tenet Healthcare, is a 160-bed acute care hospital located at 601 South Eighth Street in Griffin, Ga. The hospital has been serving the medical and health care needs of Spalding, Butts, Clayton, Fayette, Henry, Lamar and Pike counties for more than 100 years. Spalding Regional provides a number of services, including specialties in orthopedics, women’s services, cardiac care, oncology services, physical, occupational and speech therapy and sleep medicine. Spalding Regional Medical Center is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.