Dr. R. Fred Mullins, president of Joseph M. Still Burn Centers Inc., speaks with Smith Northview Pharmacy Director Scott Smith at the reception for the new Joseph M. Still Outpatient Burn Clinic Tuesday at Smith Northview Hospital.

Smith Northview Hospital welcomed another addition to its family during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday.

The 8-year-old hospital has recently expanded its labor and delivery unit and is now partnering with Joseph M. Still Burn Centers Inc., the largest burn center is the United States.

Smith Northview Chief Executive Officer James Matney said the hospital is thrilled to be teaming up with the Augusta-based center.

“By partnering with JMS, we are bringing quality burn care closer to the residents of Valdosta and South Georgia,” Matney said.

Currently, burn victims have to travel to Augusta for treatments and follow-up appointments. Dr. Fred Mullins, president of the JMS Burn Center Inc. and medical director of the JMS Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, said more than 2,500 inpatients and outpatients living within 100 miles of Valdosta have visited the facility in the past year. With the new center, they will be able to schedule follow-ups and even have some initial treatment done in Valdosta.

Initially, the Smith Northview burn unit will only be open on Wednesdays (beginning Dec. 8).

Mullins will make the journey from Augusta to Valdosta every Wednesday and will bring in one additional physician and two nurse practitioners. Mullins said that, as the patient load increases, more days will certainly be added to the schedule.

The addition will not only benefit South Georgia, and maybe even North Florida, residents. It will also bring revenue to the community of Valdosta.

“With more patients coming here for their follow-up appointments, there will be an increase of hotel stays, food purchases, etc.,” Matney added.

“We will also be opening up approximately six to eight new jobs here at Smith Northview. Personnel will be needed to help assist with the patients.”

Mullins has been a burn surgeon for 10 years. Prior to that, he was a doctor’s assistant. He took over the roles of president and medical director of JMS Burn Center seven years ago. The JMS Burn Center also has clinics in Atlanta; Charleston, S.C.; and Brandon, Miss.

Mullins said he physically does not travel to each clinic to assist patients. He divides the workload with another physician.

The new burn center will treat small, acute burn injuries, provide follow-up care for large, more intense burns and even perform reconstructive surgery.

“We will not turn away anyone,” Mullins said. “(In Augusta) we have treated patients from 2 days old to 105 years old; a third of our patients are children. We’ve seen patients with burns (to) less than one percent (of their body) to more than 95 percent. We treat every case as a learning opportunity, and that has helped us to maintain our 97 percent survival rate.”

Mullins said the decision to join forces with Smith Northview came after meeting with Matney and the hospital’s staff. He also credits the persistence of Dr. William Gee, who currently serves as a consultant for Smith Northview.

“Our mission is to improve health care for the residents of our community,” Matney said. “We have a strong tradition of service, and this new clinic will only add to our legacy of care.”