Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center Earns 2026 Women's Choice Award®
June 19, 2026
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| Members of the Transitional Care Unit team at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, pictured with hospital administrators. |
KNOXVILLE - The Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at Covenant Health’s Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center has been named Best Skilled Nursing Facility by the 2026 Women's Choice Awards®. This national distinction is earned by facilities that demonstrate exceptional performance in clinical quality, safety and patient outcomes.
"Our team values every patient and the communities that we serve,” shared Pinky Ross, administrator of the Fort Sanders Regional TCU. “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."
The Fort Sanders Regional TCU helps patients make the shift from hospital to home as safely and smoothly as possible. The unit provides short-term skilled nursing care and extended physical and occupational therapy. A registered nurse is on duty around the clock, and the care team includes licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, case managers, therapists and activities coordinators.
The Women's Choice Award is among the most trusted recognition programs in healthcare. Its methodology is objective and transparent. Selection criteria is based on clinical quality, safety and staffing adequacy. This includes:
• Nursing hours and case mix
• RN staffing levels, workforce stability and turnover
• Regulatory compliance
• Additional factors women consider most important when choosing care for themselves or their loved ones
"In transitional care, the small moments matter. Like helping a patient take their first steps again, regain confidence or feel ready to return home," explained Ross. "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."
Tab Culbertson, chief administrative officer of Fort Sanders Regional expanded, "This recognition highlights the critical role our Transitional Care Unit plays in the continuum of care. 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."
The Women's Choice Award® was established to help women make smarter healthcare choices for themselves and their families. For more information about the award and its methodology, visit womenschoiceaward.com.
About Covenant Health:
Covenant Health is a Tennessee-based healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. As a not-for-profit health system, we are dedicated to being the region’s premier healthcare network through service, community and innovation. We provide patient-centered care that inspires clinical and service excellence and strive to be the first and best choice for our patients, employees, physicians, employers, volunteers and communities. Covenant Health is the area’s largest employer and has more than 13,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians and dedicated employees and volunteers. Learn more at CovenantHealth.com.
