VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - On October 20, 1971, one of South Georgia’s major hospitals was renamed to South Georgia Medical Center, also known as SGMC.

Today marks 54 years since the hospital changed its name from Pineview General Hospital in 1971.

SGMC has operated since 1955, when it first opened as Pineview General Hospital. The facility started as a 100-bed hospital that stayed busy serving the community.

After five years of operation, the hospital authority began working on expansion plans in 1960. The plans included adding 90 more beds and new emergency, X-ray and operating rooms. The expansion also called for a new chapel, classrooms and a pediatric wing.

By 1971, the Valdosta-based hospital was serving over 200,000 people from across South Georgia and North Florida, and the hospital’s name was changed to reflect its expanded service area.

Today, the hospital serves approximately 400,000 residents across a 15-county service area with 418 licensed beds.

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