ICON OPINION PIECE
I was born in Bluffton Hospital. So was my brother, sister, wife and her brothers. Our two daughters were also born there. Many persons reading this can say the same thing about their siblings and family members.

We can't, however, be certain our next Bluffton generation can proclaim this, considering the era of which we live. It's one where small town, rural American hospitals risk closing.

That's why two major January announcements from Bluffton Hospital are cause for great cheer in our small town. We urge you to read these.

• There's a new doctor in town; Dr. Robert Schutz (Jan. 4)
• The Women's Center at Bluffton Hospital (Jan. 21)

Consider Bluffton Hospital's economic impact to our community:
• More than 200 associates work at Bluffton Hospital
• Bluffton Hospital provides total compensation and benefits to local employees of $8.3 million
• Recently invested $13 million in new Emergency Department, medical clinic space and a renovated Surgery area
• Nearly $10,000 per year given in community sponsorships to Bluffton-area organizations
• More than a dozen specialists travel to the Bluffton community to provide care through Bluffton Hospital – including cardiology, pain management, plastic surgery, wound care, and ear, nose and throat – saving residents time and cost in travelling out of town for these services
 
Furthermore, consider the importance of investment in new services to expand offerings and increase utilization announced by the hospital:

Bluffton Hospital is deemed a Critical Access Hospital. This is a designation given by the government to improve access to health care by keeping essential services in rural communities.

Critical Access Hospitals operate under cost-based Medicare reimbursement, a payment system designed to reduce their financial vulnerability.

However, payments to rural hospitals are continually being considered for reduction by Congress – putting access to quality care, jobs and the feasibility of hospitals staying open at risk.

Thus, it is imperative to maximize the asset that is Bluffton Hospital by focusing on its most utilized service line – women’s health – while continuing to provide a variety of health care services to the community.

By reducing operating costs and becoming a destination location for women’s health care, The Icon believes Bluffton Hospital has a real future. We look forward to its continued service to the community and future growth.   

And, we look forward to our next generation of Bluffton births in our own hospital: Bluffton Hospital.