By Paula Pyzik Scott

The April meeting of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce featured a program by Renee Matthews, BSW RN, the administrator of Bluffton Hospital, a division of Blanchard Valley Health System.

For many, Matthews is a familiar face, and for nearly all, Bluffton Hospital is a familiar institution. The program was an opportunity to catch up on the most recent developments for Matthews and the hospital. Also providing updates was Albert Loayza, RNFA, operating room (OR) manager at Bluffton Hospital.

Serving as hospital administrator is a new role for Matthews as of December 2023. She has, however, worked for Bluffton Hospital/BVHS since 2007 when she worked part-time evenings and weekends in Police-Fire-EMS dispatch while her children were little. “I like to try new things,” Matthews remarked early in her presentation; working for Bluffton Hospital has allowed her to do just that.

She went back to school to earn her RN and then took a job in the emergency room in Findlay. Subsequently, she worked in the obstetrics (OB) department in Bluffton, in “med-surg” (surgery preparation and recovery) and in OB outpatient. 

Providing an overview of Bluffton Hospital services, Matthews noted, “We do more than people realize.” She reviewed how the floors are being utilized, with inpatient beds now located on the second floor, which was formerly the obstetrics unit. Patients on this floor include individuals who are under observation as well as those needing same-day surgery care, swing bed care and hospice respite care. Inpatient nurses also provide infusion services seven days a week.

Outpatient rehab is on the third floor. Matthews commented that because rehab services–including occupational, physical and speech therapy–are usually needed multiple times a week, it is especially nice to have it “in our own backyard.”

Pain management is provided in clinic space and in procedures in the OR. 

Matthews described the emergency room at Bluffton as “small but mighty,” with seven rooms and eight beds. The ER is certified as a stroke ready and chest pain facility, two areas where time really matters. If a patient is diagnosed with a stroke, they will soon be on their way to a facility with neurologists and other services, she explained. But a CT scan and, if needed, clot busting drugs can be provided in Bluffton.

Investments have been made in Bluffton Hospital’s radiology department, which now has a 128-slice CT scanner, which makes the process faster and allows the hospital to provide more appointments. New 3D mammography with smart curved paddles is also available at Bluffton.

Bringing more specialty providers to Bluffton Hospital’s clinic space has been an important focus for Matthews in recent months. She calls it a “win-win” for providers and patients.

Loayza stepped up to the podium to talk about new robotic equipment in the operating facilities. The operating room manager explained how the advances in technology are changing the kinds of surgery that can be done in Bluffton and how the techniques benefit patients by making surgery and recovery faster. 

Among the types of surgery being done are hernia repairs, the LINX reflux management implant, gynecological surgery including hysterectomies and diagnostic procedures. A second orthopedic surgeon who does total joint replacement is joining the BVHS system and will have clinic hours at Bluffton. A breast reconstruction specialist will also soon be scheduling surgeries in Bluffton.

Following the presentation, Matthews was approached by a chamber member who asked why she didn’t mention Bluffton Hospital’s best kept secret. Both nodded and explained to me that the cafeteria has–in their mutual opinion–the finest muffins in town.