Covenant Health’s Fort Sanders Regional Transitional Care Unit Earns 2026 Women's Choice Award®

The Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at Covenant Health’s Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center has been named a Best Skilled Nursing Facility by the 2026 Women’s Choice Award®. This national distinction is given to facilities that demonstrate exceptional performance in clinical quality, safety and the outcomes that matter most to patients and families. exceptional performance in clinical quality, safety and the outcomes that matter most to patients and families.

The TCU helps patients bridge the gap between being in the hospital and safely returning home. When patients are recovering from major surgery, stroke or serious illnesses, our TCU team is here every step of the way.

What Is the Women’s Choice Award?

The Women’s Choice Award is one of the most trusted recognition programs in healthcare. It was created to help families identify facilities that meet the highest standards of care.

Selection is based on an objective, transparent methodology that evaluates:

Clinical quality and safety

Staffing adequacy, including nursing hours and case mix

Workforce stability and turnover

Regulatory compliance and oversight

Additional criteria aligned with what women prioritize when selecting care

Earning this designation means Fort Sanders Regional’s TCU has met and exceeded benchmarks that families can trust.

What Transitional Care Looks Like at Fort Sanders Regional

The road from hospital to home is not always a short one. For many patients recovering from after a hospital stay requires skilled nursing care, therapy and around-the-clock support before they are ready to return to daily life.

That’s exactly what our TCU provides. The goal is simple: help every patient get home safely, with confidence in their recovery.

The Heart Behind the Honor

“In transitional care, the small moments matter. Like helping a patient take their first steps again, regain confidence or feel ready to return home,” said Pinky Ross, administrator of the Fort Sanders Regional TCU. “This recognition reflects a team that shows up every day focused on progress and safety. I’m incredibly proud of the consistency and heart our staff brings to putting each patient first every day.”

Ross points to the team’s mission as the foundation of everything they do.

“Our team values every patient and the communities that we serve. In every aspect of care we provide, our goal is to serve our patients with dignity and compassion. This award is a testament to the dedication of every member of our team and our commitment to excellence in skilled nursing care. We are honored to be recognized by the Women’s Choice Award.”

A Critical Link in the Care Journey

Transitional care plays a vital role in a patient’s full recovery, and our leaders at Fort Sanders Regional recognize it.

“This recognition highlights the critical role our Transitional Care Unit plays in the continuum of care,” said Tab Culbertson, chief administrative officer of Fort Sanders Regional. “Helping patients bridge the gap between hospital and home requires both clinical expertise and genuine compassion, and our team consistently delivers both. We are incredibly grateful to Mrs. Ross and her entire team for all they do for our community. We are proud to offer a level of care that patients and families can trust during an important stage of their recovery.”

Covenant Health: Committed to Excellence Close to Home

Whether a patient is in the hospital, recovering in the TCU or returning home, Covenant Health’s team of expert caregivers is there, every step of the way.

Learn More

Learn more about the Transitional Care Unit at Fort Sanders Regional, or connect with a Fort Sanders Regional medical provider by calling 865-541-4100.