HEMPHILL, Texas (KTRE) - Access to healthcare is an issue for some rural communities, especially in emergency situations.
“Rural hospitals, overall, are experiencing difficult times,” said Kaylee McDaniel, the hospital administrator for the Sabine County Hospital.
Some hospitals are having to shut down or limit their services, with the primary reason being a lack of funds.
Because of the barriers, she said celebrating 45 years is a big deal.
“The fact that we’ve been open for 45 years means that this community sees in us that we need to be here,” McDaniel said.
The Sabine County Hospital is a critical access hospital. It’s a classification from the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services with requirements like a 25 bed in patient care and 24-hour emergency services. Aside from their hospital, people have to drive 30 minutes to an hour to another hospital. She said that can be hard for the community they serve.
“For elderly patients, that drive is significant for them,” McDaniel said.
Keeping the hospital running is important to her. She’s been there more than 11 years, starting out as an overnight registered nurse.
“I remember a nurse asking me why do you want to work at Sabine County Hospital and I said it’s where I live and I I want to take care of the people around me,” McDaniel said.
McDaniel said while they are seeing more patients and are heading in a good direction, she is seeing an issue with Medicare Advantage. Patient claims are either being denied or not being reimbursed correctly.
“A lot of times people have to jump through hoops to get a procedure approved by their insurance,” McDaniel said.
She said they are focusing on keeping their doors open for at least another 45 years. They have added two clinics, Toledo Bend Family Medicine and West Sabine Community Clinic, to give people more access to visiting a doctor. She said they will continue to find other ways to serve people and expand their reach.
“I want to provide that level of care that they need, and they deserve,” McDaniel said.
They will have an official celebration during their health fair in April.