East Georgia Regional Medical Center Honors Sonya English, LPN, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses
3/6/2026
STATESBORO, GA - East Georgia Regional Medical Center (EGRMC) is proud to recognize Sonya English, LPN, of Statesboro Family Practice, as a recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. English is the first DAISY Award recipient recognized from East Georgia Regional Medical Center’s physician clinic network, highlighting the important role nurses play in patient care both inside the hospital and throughout the community.
The DAISY Award is an international program that celebrates nurses who demonstrate extraordinary compassion and clinical care while making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families.
Sonya was nominated by a patient she has cared for over several years who shared how her dedication and attention to detail made a profound difference during a frightening health experience involving lung surgery.
“I’d like to nominate Sonya English for the DAISY Award for the outstanding care she has given me during my diagnosis, procedure and recovery from lung surgery,” the patient wrote. “Sonya has been my primary care nurse for quite a few years, and I will admit that I have taken her high standards of nursing for granted until recently.”
The patient reflected that looking back, Sonya has always put tremendous effort into ensuring the best care possible.
“When I visit the office, Sonya is prepared, thorough, and has even been a little harsh with me in the kindest way possible when I have not followed instructions like I should,” the patient shared. “There have been times when she has put more effort into my treatment plan than I have.”
During the patient’s recent medical crisis, that dedication became even more evident.
After two visits to an urgent care facility without answers, the patient reached out through the clinic’s patient portal. Sonya quickly responded and ensured the patient was seen by a physician the same day. The visit ultimately led to an emergency room referral and a procedure to drain a significant amount of fluid from the patient’s lung.
Just a week later, the patient returned to the emergency room for another procedure and spent five days in the hospital. Throughout the experience, Sonya remained actively involved in coordinating care.
“During all of this, Sonya stayed on top of the reports from the hospital, pulmonologist and surgeon,” the patient wrote. “She made sure my primary care provider knew what was going on and that my follow up appointment was scheduled.”
Through the experience, the patient said it became clear that Sonya’s care extends far beyond routine expectations.
“I have learned that Sonya truly cares not just about my health but about me as both a patient and a person,” the patient shared. “She makes me feel like I am special, but I’m guessing this is her standard level of care. Beyond the normal expectations for a nurse, I can honestly say I feel heard, cared for and safe with Sonya.”
The patient concluded by writing that the trust built through Sonya’s care is something that cannot easily be replaced.
“I can’t imagine trusting another primary care nurse the way I trust her, especially after her stellar performance during one of the scariest times of my life.”
“The DAISY Award recognizes nurses whose compassion and dedication create a lasting impact on the lives of their patients,” said Chief Nursing Officer Marie Burdett. “Sonya English demonstrates that same extraordinary commitment every day through her attentiveness, advocacy and the genuine relationships she builds with those in her care.”
“Sonya’s dedication to her patients reflects the kind of compassionate, high quality care we strive to deliver throughout East Georgia Regional Medical Center and our clinics,” said CEO Stephen Pennington. “We are proud to honor her with the DAISY Award and grateful for the trust and comfort she provides to the patients and families she serves.”
East Georgia Regional Medical Center is honored to recognize nurses like Sonya English whose commitment to compassion and excellence reflects the hospital’s mission of Every Patient, Every Time, Always.
If a nurse has made a meaningful difference in your experience at EGRMC please visit https://www.eastgeorgiaregional.com/daisy-award-nominations and nominate your nurse for the DAISY award.
*East Georgia Regional Medical Center is owned in part by physicians.
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