While many rural facilities face an uncertain future, one Oklahoma hospital is expanding its services following its acquisition by a California cardiologist and a more than $5 million renovation, the Pawhuska Journal-Capital reported Dec. 27.
The Rural Wellness Fairfax hospital has increased quality access to healthcare for local people as well as boosted employment numbers, with approximately 115 staff now working at the location compared with just 50 two years ago, the Journal-Capital reported. Patients seeking healthcare come from as far as Tulsa, approximately 70 miles southeast of Fairfax, the report said.
The critical access hospital underwent renovations following the investment from owner Elizabeth Pusey, MD, andOklahoma City-based management company Avem Health Partners, including in-house lab services with advanced technology, private rooms, lift systems for secure and safe patient movement, a wound care center, an additional emergency department room, and a new CT building with state-of-the-art technology.
More expansion plans involve further lab testing facilities as well as improvements to the cardiology program at the hospital.
"This continued growth is part of Dr. Pusey's and Avem Health Partners' vision to care for their rural neighbors, revitalize an essential critical access hospital, and elevate its surrounding communities to create Fairfax as a destination for quality healthcare," said Jeff Hill, CEO of Avem Health Partners.