When John Fisher went to work on July 16, just like he does every work day, he didn’t realize a new hospital would save his life just a few hours later.

As a roofer based in Dahlonega, Fisher is always careful about working at extreme heights, on dangerous slopes and in severe weather.  But, on Tuesday, July 16, the unexpected happened.  He was on a jobsite when he was stung by a wasp, which he is highly allergic to, and he immediately realized he did not have his EpiPen.

“By the time my boss drove me to the hospital, I was starting to get delirious and my airway was closing,” says Fisher.  “As we pulled up to the doors, we asked some of the people outside if the hospital was even open.”

Luckily, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Lumpkin officially opened at 7 a.m. that day, and the staff was ready with open arms.

“When Mr. Fisher arrived, he was having significant difficulty breathing,” says Dr. Kristin Halligan, interim medical director of NGMC Lumpkin’s Emergency Department.  “Thankfully, our well-trained emergency staff was able to stabilize him quickly.”

“I am so thankful for the excellent care I received,” said Fisher. “These people, this hospital, saved my life.”

Fisher was the fourth patient treated at NGMC Lumpkin and one of 191 patients treated during the new hospital’s first week of operation.  Twelve of those patients were admitted to the inpatient unit, and another 15 patients were transferred to other facilities for care.

“Our project team and staff spent countless hours preparing to reopen emergency care in Lumpkin County,” says Kay Hall, nurse manager at NGMC Lumpkin. “To be able to save a life, and touch 190 others during the first week, proves we’re already improving the health of this community.”

NGMC Lumpkin offers an emergency department, inpatient care and supporting imaging, pharmacy, lab and other services. Complete emergency services are provided 24/7/365 by the same group of physicians that care for emergency patients at other NGMC hospitals in Gainesville, Braselton and Winder.