AUGUSTA, Ga. – As the Masters Tournament draws thousands of visitors to Augusta each year, many local residents choose to rent their homes to patrons attending the event. However, this influx of visitors can pose challenges for those who still need to work in the area, particularly hospital staff who are unable to find accommodations due to the high demand and skyrocketing hotel prices.

To address these challenges, Piedmont Augusta has found a unique solution. The healthcare system began offering housing for its employees at the Summerville Campus during Masters Week, a time when the city’s population swells and traffic patterns change drastically. The initiative, which started last year, is designed to provide relief for staff members who either rent out their homes during the tournament or face difficulties commuting to work because of the increased congestion.

Piedmont Augusta Executive Director of McDuffie and Summerville, Nic Wood, explained that the idea came from the hospital’s vacant nursing floor at the Summerville Campus. “We have our Piedmont Augusta Summerville campus that had a vacant nursing floor. So it had rooms that had beds. So we said, let’s create our Hotel Piedmont. And so that’s what we did last year. We provided one of our nursing units for our team members to stay in, whether it was for one night or five nights in a row,” Wood said.

The hospital’s effort to offer free housing to staff members ensures that employees do not have to bear the burden of finding and paying for accommodations during one of the busiest times of the year. This is especially beneficial for travel nurses who are stationed in Augusta to work but struggle to secure a hotel room due to the limited availability and inflated costs.

The Summerville Campus’ nursing units, equipped with beds, have been transformed into temporary housing spaces, allowing Piedmont employees to stay free of charge for the duration of their shifts. This initiative is a testament to Piedmont Augusta’s commitment to supporting its staff and ensuring that they can continue to provide essential healthcare services during a time of increased demand.

By offering this housing solution, Piedmont Augusta has taken a proactive approach to assist its employees, ensuring they are well-rested and ready to meet the needs of the community. As the Masters Tournament continues to attract large crowds, Piedmont’s thoughtful gesture may serve as a model for other organizations seeking to support their workers during major events.