OHH board cuts obstetrics at new hospital over shortfall
OLNEY HAMILTON HOSPITAL PRESS RELEASE
As groundbreaking in the first quarter of 2025 approaches, the oldest rural hospital in the State of Texas, Olney Hamilton Hospital, is excited to bring a new level of state-of-the-art healthcare services to the greater Olney community through your new hospital.
While nearly onethird of rural hospitals around the country are at risk of closing, according to a new report from the Center for Healthcare Quality & Payment Reform, a national health policy research group, Olney, Texas has bucked the trend.
Congratulations to all of you for supporting the investment in your health future.
Olney Hamilton Hospital began in 1908 when Dr. Joe Daniels, soon followed by Dr. George B. Hamilton, established medical practices in Olney, Texas. Dr. Hamilton’s ambition and dedication led him to purchase a building in 1908, transforming it into the first rural hospital in the state of Texas. Dr. Hamilton’s drive and legacy will be on display with your new state-ofthe- art facility in 2025.
In 2023, Olney Hamilton Hospital was chosen as a top 100 critical access hospital by the Chartis Group in the United States.
We are so proud to be able to continue to provide quality healthcare where our patients come first and feel at home.
In an effort to provide more health services to a larger portion of the Olney Hamilton Hospital District, the board of directors has elected to remove obstetric services from the planned services for the new hospital. This difficult decision prioritizes funding for the services that support the broadest portion of our residents. The hospital district currently averages just fewer than 2 births per month. Obstetric services are more expensive as to their requirements for the new construction plans and also for the operations of the hospital. Unfortunately, due to the government and insurance reimbursement rates, the costs of obstetric services out-weigh the benefits to our residents. The Board feels the funds would be better used for services that serve a larger portion of our service base.
This difficult decision is not taken lightly. The Board is seeking alternative funding and evaluating multiple options to maintain our current services and add new services for our communities. We count serving the medical needs of our communities a great privilege, and we are striving to keep the legacy of service of Olney Hamilton Hospital growing into the next generation.
With a forward-thinking approach, those tax dollars can not only be used to meet current needs, but also will allow for potential expansion
to address a changing community and its future health needs. Moving forward, healthcare for rural hospitals will continue to evolve and look different than it did yesterday or today. It will be ever changing.
It is with great pride and honor that we keep the legacy of Olney Hamilton Hospital alive.