Anniston, AL — Regional Medical Center (RMC) is continuing its upward momentum toward becoming one of Alabama’s leading healthcare providers, earning national recognition while implementing cutting-edge technology and reducing emergency room wait times. In an exclusive interview with the Calhoun Journal, RMC CEO Keith Parrottdiscussed the hospital’s measurable improvements, national accolades, and future direction, emphasizing a renewed commitment to both patient experience and community trust.
A Measurable Impact on Patient Care
RMC’s recent performance data shows clear progress in emergency services. The hospital has achieved a 29% reduction in average time from arrival to hospital bed and a 26% reduction in average time from arrival to provider contact, meaning patients are being seen and treated faster than ever before. The introduction of the Philips CT 5100 Incisive system CT scanner, announced earlier this month, has also expedited diagnoses and improved care coordination in the Emergency Department.
“These improvements are already making a difference for our patients and their families,” Parrott told the Calhoun Journal. “We are proud of the measurable progress our team has made and honored by the national recognition we’ve received. These achievements are a reflection of our staff’s dedication and our hospital’s mission to provide the highest quality care to this community. We know there is more work ahead, and we are committed to getting better every day.”
National Recognition for Quality Care
RMC has recently earned multiple American Heart Association (AHA) Get With The Guidelines® awards, placing it among a select group of hospitals nationally recognized for their commitment to evidence-based patient care. These awards include:
- Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
- Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes
- Resuscitation Gold – Adult
Additionally, RMC received the AHA Commitment to Quality Award, one of the most prestigious distinctions in the nation, shared by only 158 hospitals. The recognition honors facilities that excel across multiple Get With The Guidelines® modules for stroke, heart disease, and resuscitation care.
“These awards are validation from objective third parties that the care we deliver is among the best hospitals in the state,” Parrott said. “For example, our Blue Distinction designations from Blue Cross of Alabama place us among the top hospitals in the state for both quality outcomes and affordability in maternal care and hip and knee replacement.”
Investing in Technology and Innovation
Under Parrott’s leadership, RMC has focused heavily on advancing medical technology and expanding treatment options available to patients in Anniston and the surrounding areas.
One of the most significant additions is the DaVinci 5 surgical robot, the most advanced system of its kind, providing surgeons with next-generation precision, a fully ergonomic design, and 10,000 times the computing power of earlier models. This system enables minimally invasive surgeries with faster recovery times and fewer complications.
“This new technology not only helps us improve the quality and efficiency of care we deliver to patients—it also helps us retain and attract the best physicians and employees,” Parrott explained. “It is rewarding to see what skilled clinicians can do with the latest technology, and we are excited to bring these enhancements to the community.”
RMC also performed Alabama’s first procedure using Limaca Medical’s Precision GI™ motorized fine-needle biopsy (FNB) device, allowing for more accurate and personalized gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis. “Each innovation represents a step forward in the level of care we can provide right here in Anniston,” Parrott said.
Strengthening Communication and Culture
While technology and awards are key milestones, Parrott emphasized that RMC’s transformation also depends on building a culture of compassion, accountability, and trust.
“We recognize that as we improve efficiency and invest in new technology, we also have to make major investments in developing the right culture,” he said. “We’re putting an increased focus on communication—between employees, physicians, and patients—to make sure every person who walks through our doors feels heard and respected.”
As part of this effort, RMC recently implemented TigerConnect, a HIPAA-compliant messaging platform that allows secure communication among physicians and nurses to improve coordination of care.
A Community Partner Beyond Hospital Walls
Parrott also discussed RMC’s growing involvement in community health initiatives. “As we improve the care we deliver inside our walls, we also have to do more outside our walls,” he said. “We’re collaborating with local nonprofit agencies to bring new federal grant funds into the community to address major problems like drug abuse and heart disease.”
RMC’s employees have also deepened their community support, increasing their United Way contributions by more than 300% this year. “That shows the heart of our people,” Parrott added. “They care deeply about this community and the people we serve.”
Looking Ahead: “Getting Better Every Day”
When asked about RMC’s priorities for the next five years, Parrott pointed to the importance of sustaining cultural growth and transparency.
“Our biggest priority is to work on our culture—if we get culture right, everything else will fall into place,” he said. “Overcoming historically negative perceptions is a challenge, but we’re already making real progress. We’re getting better every day, and we’re anxious to prove that to the community.”
RMC will soon launch a new campaign titled “Getting Better Every Day,” a message that Parrott says reflects both the hospital’s mission and its momentum.
“This tagline has two meanings,” Parrott explained. “One is literal—we help hundreds of people every day ‘get better,’ whether that’s treating an injury, performing surgery, or saving a life. But it also means we, as a hospital, are improving every day. We’re building trust, improving quality, and becoming a stronger resource for this region.”
