Last week, The Wayne County News let our readers know that Maury Regional Health was chosen by the Wayne County Commission to enter into negotiations for renewal of their contract to operate Wayne Medical Center. It was a big relief for Wayne Countians to know that there is still hope for the hospital to remain open and able to serve the county.
Dr. Martin Chaney, Maury Regional CEO, issued a statement that further explains the process of becoming a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH). He also announced the move of the Waynesboro primary care practice to a renovated space in the Piggly Wiggly shopping center in Waynesboro.
Following is Dr. Chaney’s statement:
“For approximately 30 years, Maury Regional Health (MRH) has provided health care services at Wayne Medical Center for the residents of Wayne County. We are supportive of Wayne County’s recent decision to transition Wayne Medical Center to a Rural Emergency Hospital (REH), a newly established designation given to eligible rural hospitals by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) beginning January 1, 2023.
“As you are aware, the Wayne County Commission recently issued a request for proformas (RFP) to lead the conversion of Wayne Medical Center to an REH and to provide ongoing management. MRH was among those submitting proformas, and I am pleased to report that the Wayne County Commission voted to enter into a new agreement with our organization.
“The purpose of an REH shifts the focus of the hospital from providing acute care inpatient beds to maximizing emergency medicine, observation services and ambulatory services. MRH’s proforma included offering 24-hour emergency services, imaging services, laboratory services and observation beds. With potential changes in other community providers not affiliated with MRH, we will be evaluating the status of post-acute care beds in the community over the coming months.
“Wayne County leadership understands the challenges facing health care providers serving rural communities. Among our contract discussions will also be a subsidy for MRH to operate the ambulance service on behalf of the county as well as upgrades to Wayne Medical Center and ongoing maintenance of the county-owned building.
“It is also important to note MRH’s ongoing commitment to primary care services with two locations in Wayne County. Maury Regional Medical Group is in the process of renovating lease space in the shopping center on Dexter L. Woods Memorial Boulevard, with plans to relocate the Waynesboro primary care practice in March 2024. To enhance the patient experience, the new Waynesboro practice will incorporate updated interior design standards, increase the square footage of the lobby and exam rooms and improve ease of access and parking. Primary care providers include Harish Veeramachaneni, MD; Michael Kreis, DO; Paula Cole, NP; Carly Cooke, FNP-C; Kendra Prater-Holt, NP; and Samuel Welch, FNP-C.
“I would like to thank Chief Administrative Officer Charlie Brinkley who led this process for MRH. He and his team have dedicated countless hours to evaluating the ideal way to provide health care to Wayne County in a fiscally responsible manner. I would also like to commend the employees at Wayne Medical Center for their patience during this RFP process and their unwavering commitment to provide outstanding patient care to their friends and neighbors in the community.
“Wayne County and MRH share the desire to provide clinically excellent, compassionate care to Wayne County residents. We look forward to working with county leadership on a contract agreement and conversion to an REH and will keep you apprised of any developments.”
The Wayne County News will keep our readers updated on the negotiations and the status of Wayne Medical Center.
