Forrest General Hospital’s Skilled Nursing Unit Recognized Among Country’s Elite by U.S. News and World Report

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (November 13, 2024) For the second year in a row, U.S. News and World Report has recognized Forrest General Hospital’s Skilled Nursing Unit (SNU) for being among the elite SNU facilities which earned a “High Performing” rating, the highest possible achievement. Only 19% of 15,000-plus skilled nursing facilities rated by U.S. News meet that standard.

The 30-bed unit expanded last year to better serve its 19-county service area. The unit, which provides benefits of a post-acute medical setting where patients can go after a hospital stay, offers rehabilitative services such as physical, occupational, speech, respiratory therapies, medical management and other medical services. These services provide recovery benefits to a patient before they return back to a home setting.  

“Our SNU team at Forrest Health is dedicated to our mission,” said Jennifer McLaurin, LNHA-Administrator/Director. “Our main goals are for our patients to receive the needed rehabilitation, recovery, and access to their surgeons, medical team(s) and to avoid rehospitalizations by regaining some level independence through rehabilitation and skilled nursing care services prior to returning home. It is an honor to be ranked among the elite 19% of the high-performing skilled nursing facilities nationally. We strive to make a difference every day in the lives of those we care for. We will keep striving for excellence together.”

This rating evaluates the quality of post-acute care for patients recovering from a hospital stay such as after stroke, heart attack, infection, or accidental injury. The unit was evaluated on the following:

• Residents able to return home after being discharged
• Falls resulting in a major injury such as a bone fracture or dislocation
• Infections resulting in hospitalization
• Rehospitalizations during their stay
• Emergency Room visits
• Nurse Staffing
• Physical Therapist staffing
• Direct care by registered nurses
• Use of antipsychotic drugs
• Rate of substantiated complaints

All of these are indicators of quality care and attention to resident safety. The rating percentages for FGH’s SNU outranked those of both state and national rankings.

Forrest Health offers Skilled Nursing Units in each of its hospitals. The healthcare system’s quality care now reaches even more individuals in the hospital’s service area.

For more information about Forrest General’s SNU, visit forrestgeneral.org/snu