SunLink’s Gilmer Nursing Home Appears in Consumers’ Research of America “Guide to Top Nursing Homes”

North Georgia Medical Center & Gilmer Nursing Home Women’s Auxiliary Awarded Georgia’s Volunteer Group of the Year

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SunLink Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE/Amex: SSY) today announced that its Gilmer Nursing Home, located in Ellijay, GA, was recognized by Consumers’ Research Council of America for the second consecutive year to be included in its “Guide to America’s Top Nursing Homes.” Consumer’s Research Council of America, a Washington, D.C.-based research organization, provides consumers' information guides for professional services throughout America. The organization’s purpose is to help educate and assist consumers in obtaining the finest professional services. CRCA does not accept fees, donations, sponsorships or advertising from any individuals, professionals, corporations or associations.

“We are extremely pleased with the outstanding work of all of our hospital and nursing home staff. To be included in the CRCA’s ‘Guide to America’s Top Nursing Homes’ for the second consecutive year is a testament to our continued efforts to deliver quality, efficient care”

In addition, SunLink announced that the Women’s Auxiliary for North Georgia Medical Center & Gilmer Nursing Home, a 150-bed general medical, surgical and nursing home facility located in Ellijay, GA, was awarded Volunteer Group of the Year by the Georgia Health Care Association.

The Auxiliary was recognized for its volunteer activities throughout the year and recent exceptional contributions including raising funds for a handicap van, purchasing medical equipment and awarding five continuing educational scholarships to nursing home and hospital employees.

“We are extremely pleased with the outstanding work of all of our hospital and nursing home staff. To be included in the CRCA’s ‘Guide to America’s Top Nursing Homes’ for the second consecutive year is a testament to our continued efforts to deliver quality, efficient care,” said Jeff Dunn, chief executive of North Georgia Medical Center & Gilmer Nursing Home. “The added recognition of our Women’s Auxiliary for their outstanding contributions to our hospital and nursing home as well as the Gilmer area community further demonstrates the team work that makes our facilities exceptional. The Women’s Auxiliary works tirelessly to make hospital patients’ stays and nursing home residents’ lifestyles more comfortable. We are grateful for their exceptional dedication and assistance.”

Along with this, the CRCA recognition and the Volunteer Group of the Year by the Georgia Health Care Association award, the North Georgia Medical Center & Gilmer Nursing Home has been the recipient of the prestigious ACHCA recognition for Outstanding Resident Care Levels for three consecutive years and six of SunLink’s seven hospital facilities have received national recognition for clinical and operational excellence in the last three years.

About SunLink Health Systems, Inc.

SunLink Health Systems, Inc. currently operates seven community hospitals, three hospital-based nursing homes, and one hospital-based home care business in the Southeast and Midwest, and a specialty pharmacy business, SunLink ScriptsRx, in Louisiana. Each SunLink hospital is the only hospital in its community. SunLink’s operating strategy is to link patients’ needs with dedicated physicians and health professionals to deliver quality, efficient medical care and healthcare products and services in each area it serves. For additional information on SunLink Health Systems, Inc., please visit the company’s website at www.sunlinkhealth.com.