Trusted surgical care close to home

Published: Wednesday, February 7, 2024

When Pamela Boundy broke her shoulder, she took the 10-mile trip to Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Barrow. Pamela, like many others in and around Winder, knew she could trust NGMC Barrow for emergency care.

But when it came to the next step in her recovery process, the 63-year-old grandmother of three was pleasantly surprised to learn she could also have her total shoulder replacement at NGMC Barrow.

Justin Barrett, MD, orthopedic surgeon with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG), performed Pamela’s shoulder surgery. After spending a night in the hospital, Pamela made the short drive home to continue her recovery.

“It was a relief to have my surgery so close to home,” said Pamela. “I’m very thankful to be in a place that could handle complex surgeries like mine.”

Just three months after her surgery, Dr. Barrett and his team released Pamela from at-home physical therapy.

“Pamela has had a remarkable recovery,” said Carly Threlkeld, physician assistant with NGPG Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine and an integral part of Pamela’s care team. “Her range of motion has significantly improved post-surgery, and we’re happy to see her enjoying a higher quality of life again.”

During the last year, NGMC Barrow has nearly doubled the number of surgeons and types of surgeries it offers, giving patients like Pamela a closer option for advanced surgical care.

“We’ve worked diligently to reassure the people of Barrow County that their hometown hospital provides high quality, compassionate care,” said Sonja McLendon, interim president of NGMC Barrow. “We’re excited to offer an expanded scope of surgical services to better care for our ever-growing community.”

Now, NGMC Barrow has greater expertise to handle a vast range of surgical specialties including general surgery, podiatry, orthopedics, urology, endoscopy, ophthalmology and pediatric dentistry – all with greater frequency and availability.

“I had a great experience and some wonderful people taking care of me,” said Pamela.

NGMC Barrow also provides emergency services, outpatient infusion, heart services, imaging and radiology, laboratory services, pulmonary rehabilitation, wound healing and stroke care.

“While I hope I don’t need surgery again any time soon, it’s nice to know we have more options and even more expertise than ever before.”

To learn more about NGMC Barrow, including services provided and physicians on staff, visit nghs.com/barrow.