Athens-Limestone Hospital, part of Huntsville Hospital Health System, ranks third. It’s a Tier 1 Blue Cross and Blue Shield hospital. They are praised for top-tier compliance in quality, safety, and finances.
With 71 beds, it employs over 900 and hosts 150 physicians. The Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) aids in improvement. Members offer feedback to enhance patient experience and align with growth strategy.
Patients, families, and community members all participate actively—the goal: is to have diverse perspectives for holistic hospital enhancement. Focus on replicating successful practices across the organization.
Services
Ambulance Service
High-quality pre-hospital treatment is provided in Athens and Limestone County by Athens-Limestone EMS. The staff at this facility, which is run by Huntsville Hospital Health System, is extremely skilled.
The state certifies paramedics in several life support techniques and grants them credentials. Modern medical equipment is fully loaded into ambulances for emergencies.
Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation offers tailored programs for chronic lung and cardiac patients. Patients improve exercise capacity and quality of life through rehab. Education includes breathing techniques and heart health topics. Rehab sessions are available three days a week.
Emergency Department
Athens-Limestone Emergency Department is a Level III Trauma and Stroke Center, operated by the Alabama Trauma Communications Center. Staffed 24/7 by Urgent and Emergent Care physicians and nurse practitioners. Triage assesses urgency based on severity, guided by standardized protocols.
Patients may wait based on the severity of illness or injury. Treatment includes ongoing care, diagnostics, medications, and potential hospital admission. Communication is provided regarding wait times and test results.
Imaging
The most recent MRI equipment is introduced by Athens-Limestone Hospital (ALH), improving diagnostic capabilities. The skilled group is led by the Chief Radiologist of ALH, Dr. Paul Fry. Patients benefit from cutting-edge technology that ensures comfort and high-quality scans, such as the broad bore system and AIR® Coil gradient cold designs.
The updated MRI reduces scan times and enhances image quality while meeting a variety of needs. Efficient care is guaranteed with over 50 radiological professionals at your disposal.
MRI data is easily accessible to primary care providers, allowing for smooth communication. The radiology staff at ALH places a high priority on patient comfort and safety, with highly skilled technologists offering excellent treatment.
Baby Place
Athens-Limestone Hospital strives to be your go-to for maternity care. The Baby Place provides top-notch facilities and expert staff for labor and delivery. The hospital maintains a Level 3 NICU for added support.
They are recognized as a Breastfeeding Friendly Business, offering various support services. Breastfeeding rooms are available, and lactation support is provided. also offering childbirth, parenting, and breastfeeding classes monthly. Additionally, newborn screenings and centralized fetal monitoring are provided.
VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution
Knee replacement surgery uses cutting-edge technologies to meet the specific demands of each patient. VELYSTM Robotic-Assisted Solution improves accuracy and precision during surgery.
Physicians with expertise such as Patrick Boyett, Eric Stanford, and William D. Lawrence use this technology to guarantee the best possible results. Following surgery, this individualized strategy enhances quality of life and mobility.
Physical Therapy
Recovering mobility, strength, and flexibility is vital after injury or surgery. Athens-Limestone Hospital customizes rehab plans for each patient, offering inpatient therapy with family involvement. Their physical therapy (PT) team specializes in various conditions, ensuring effective recovery.
They provide compassionate care, guaranteeing top-quality treatment and improved mobility. Furthermore, Pathways Speech Therapy offers assessments and treatment for speech issues like dysphagia and aphasia, including specialized evaluations for tracheostomy patients.
Patients at Athens-Limestone Hospital can trust they’re in capable hands. With over 800 surgeries monthly and an Outpatient Surgery Tower, we ensure quality care.
Medical Records
Athens-Limestone Hospital introduces an Online Patient Record Request tool for various individuals. These include patients requesting their records, parents of minor patients, and caregivers. If acting on behalf of a patient, a copy of the Power of Attorney must be provided.
For deceased patients, attach a death certificate. Identity verification is done through a photo of your driver’s license or valid ID. The tool doesn’t incur additional charges and takes 7-10 business days to process requests. Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browsers are recommended.
For assistance, contact the Medical Records Department. Urgent requests can be faxed by physicians for treatment within 48-72 hours. Faxed records for continuing care are free.
Visitors policy
Visitors play a vital role in patient recovery at Athens-Limestone Hospital. Friends and family are encouraged to visit during recommended hours from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but visits should be brief to prioritize patient care and safety. General guidelines include dressing appropriately, maintaining a quiet environment, and limiting visitors at the bedside.
Visitors with contagious illnesses should refrain from visiting, and they may be asked to leave during tests or treatments. Patients’ health information is only available to designated immediate family members. Parking is available across Market Street, and reserved spots are provided for ODA patients near the emergency room entrance.
Well-lit parking areas are recommended, with security guards available for assistance. Designated waiting areas are allocated on each floor, including the main floor and surgery waiting room. Additionally, a gift shop offering various items is accessible on the second floor.
Careers
Athens-Limestone Hospital for Employment believes in leading the healthcare system nationally. With over 15 affiliations in North Alabama, they’re the third-largest. Joining offers competitive pay, education, wellness programs, and fitness access. Athens’s growing system provides diverse career paths.
Employees stay over 9 years, showing a supportive environment. They seek dedicated individuals making a difference in patient care. To apply, create a profile for a streamlined application and search.
Education and Awareness
Athens-Limestone Hospital offers innovative training for nurses and clinical professionals, along with community education programs, aiming to improve patient care and outcomes.
Approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing until March 25, 2025, under Provider Number ABNP0024, the hospital provides continuing education. It’s also a certified American Heart Association Training Center, offering various classes for healthcare professionals and the community.
Monthly, the hospital hosts an 8-hour diabetic education class, led by a Certified Diabetic Educator, Registered Dietician, and RN educator.
Pregnancy education covers childbirth, labor, delivery, and post-delivery care, including labor support and newborn care, taught by a Registered Nurse. For more information on diabetic education, call (256) 233-9146, and for pregnancy education, call (256) 233-9484.
