Sturgis Hospital has received designation as a “Rural Emergency Hospital.”
Selection was granted by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Jeremy Grump, interim CEO at Sturgis Hospital, said the facility is the first in the state to be designated REH.
Key elements of the designation, according to Gump:
Enhanced emergency medical services. Sturgis Hospital aims to expand its emergency department capability, ensuring the availability of advanced medical technology and resources to handle emergency cases effectively.
Quicker access to life-saving care. The hospital will be equipped to reduce the time necessary for patients to receive essential medical attention during an emergency.
Streamlining of patient transfer. Involves improved coordination with larger medical facilities, simplifying patient transfers when specialized treatment is necessary.
Increased federal funding. REH status makes Sturgis Hospital eligible for additional federal funding, which will be reinvested to improve health care infrastructure and services for the community.
Gump said it is an honor to gain REH status.
“This designation reaffirms our commitment to serve our rural community with the utmost dedication and compassion,” he said. We will continue to strengthen our ties with the community to ensure the best possible health care outcomes for all our patients.”
Sturgis Hospital has struggled financially for several years, and has faced closure in recent months. Pursuit of a buyer continues. The possibility of federal funding could allow more flexibility for that process.
REH is an important step toward maintaining crucial community services in the region, said Brian Peters, CEO of Michigan Health & Hospital Association, in a statement.
“We have worked very closely with Sturgis throughout the process and congratulate them on being one of the first hospitals in the country to receive this designation, which we hope will provide long-term sustainability,” Peters said.