Phoebe Sumter Medical Center tabbed most beautiful hospital in U.S.

AMERICUS — Phoebe Sumter Medical Center has once again been honored with the title of the Most Beautiful Hospital in the United States by Soliant Health, marking its second time receiving the prestigious recognition.

The hospital first earned the distinction in 2015, and the 2024 award reaffirms its ongoing commitment to creating an environment that promotes healing, comfort and community well-being.

Soliant’s annual Most Beautiful Hospitals contest recognizes hospitals across the nation that excel in creating aesthetically pleasing and welcoming spaces for patients, visitors and staff. This year, Phoebe Sumter topped the list, praised for its integration of natural elements, thoughtful design and dedication to fostering a tranquil atmosphere.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition for the second time,” Phoebe Sumter CEO Carlyle Walton said. “Winning this title in 2015 was a testament to our organization’s vision, and being recognized again in 2024 is a true affirmation of our continued commitment to providing a healing environment that complements our high-quality medical care.”

Phoebe Sumter’s 76-bed hospital boasts abundant natural lighting and all-private patient rooms. The campus also features three buildings that house medical clinics surrounding a central courtyard. Since first winning the title nine years ago, Phoebe Sumter also has added a public walking trail through a natural woodsy setting on the property. These features, along with strong patient satisfaction scores, exemplify the hospital’s commitment to a holistic healing environment.

More than 80 hospitals were nominated in this year’s Most Beautiful Hospitals Contest, and online voters cast more than 1.44 million votes. Phoebe Sumter emerged as the clear winner with more than 347,000 votes.

“We are thrilled to recognize Phoebe Sumter Medical Center as the nation’s most beautiful hospital this year,” Soliant Health CEO David Alexander said. “This accolade celebrates not only the stunning architecture and thoughtful design, but also the dedication of the staff who create a healing environment filled with compassion and care. At Soliant, we believe that a beautiful hospital can significantly enhance the patient experience, and Phoebe Sumter Medical Center exemplifies this ideal with its unique blend of aesthetic beauty and heart-felt service.”

After Sumter Regional Hospital was destroyed by a tornado in 2007, Phoebe partnered with the Americus and Sumter County Hospital Authority to build a new hospital and medical center complex on a 40-acre site at the intersection of U.S. Highways 19 and 280.

“The beauty of our hospital goes beyond its physical appearance,” Walton said. “It’s about creating a space where patients and their families feel supported and cared for. Our team takes great pride in maintaining an environment that not only meets the highest standards of medical care but also promotes overall well-being.”

The recognition in 2015 set a high standard for the hospital, inspiring ongoing efforts to enhance and maintain the facility’s welcoming atmosphere. The 2024 title serves as a reminder of the hospital’s continued excellence in marrying architectural beauty with patient-centered care and a commitment to the community.

“Sumter County is such a wonderful place to call home, and our team is fortunate to have incredible support from the people who live here,” Walton said. “We feel it every day, and our community truly showed their appreciation for Phoebe Sumter by helping us earn this title. I assure them, we will continue to strive for excellence in every aspect of patient care and community service.”

Since 2009, Soliant has conducted an annual contest to recognize hospitals in the United States that prove beauty is more than skin deep. To learn more about Soliant’s Top 20 Most Beautiful Hospitals in the U.S., visit www.soliant.com/most-beautifu-hospital-contest. Soliant is a leader in human capital solutions within the education and health care sectors. It operates offices in Atlanta; Tampa and Jacksonville, Fla.; Houston, San Diego and Greenville, S.C.

Special Photo: Phoebe