Woodlawn Hospital was honored to host State Senator Stacey Donato and Indiana Hospital Association President Brian Tabor on December 14. The Administrative Team and the Board of Trustee President, Alison Heydee, explained the challenges facing independent rural hospitals this past year and continuing into 2023.
Rural hospitals and communities across the United States face many challenges, including insurance companies redirecting patients away from their local hospitals to seek outpatient care in larger cities. The second would be maternity care not offered in all counties in Indiana, creating gaps for care called maternity deserts. Lastly, hospitals have seen an increase in the Hospital Assessment Fees they have to pay to the state, causing a financial burden on many independent hospitals like Woodlawn. The team at Woodlawn asked for Senator Donato’s help and consideration of the issues and challenges they face.
“We are so honored that Senator Donato would come to listen to our challenges and offer her support,” Alan Fisher, CEO of Woodlawn Hospital, stated about the meeting.
Woodlawn Hospital is a rural healthcare system in Rochester, Indiana, working to earn the right to care for the communities it serves. For more information, contact Marketing Director, Khrista Boster, at kboster@woodlawnhospital.com.
Group Picture
Back Row left to right: Brian Tabor, President of The Indiana Hospital Association, Carrie Bowers, CFO Woodlawn Hospital, Senator Stacey Donato, Kathy Horton, Chief Human Resource Officer Woodlawn Hospital, Brad Rogers, COO of Woodlawn Hospital,
Front Row: Paula McKinney, Chief Nursing Officer Woodlawn Hospital, Alan Fisher, CEO Woodlawn Hospital and Alison Heydee, Board of Trustee President Woodlawn Hospital
Senator and IHA President. JPG
Brian Tabor and Senator Donato discussing challenges facing rural independent hospital.
