Indiana Gov. Mike Braun joined hospital officials and community leaders for the ribbon cutting of a new Women’s Health Center at Daviess Community Hospital in Washington on Friday.
The facility brings multiple services into one location, including obstetrics, prenatal and postpartum care, along with imaging such as 3D mammography and ultrasound.
Braun used the event to discuss broader challenges facing healthcare systems.
“It’s the biggest part of our economy and states are struggling with it,” Braun said.
He also tied the project to ongoing efforts to maintain access to care in rural areas.
“This is a day of celebration because this is a commitment to rural health care, especially at the obstetrics level,” Braun said.
Hospital CEO Justin Harris said the new center is designed to reduce the need for patients to travel for care.
“We do not want our patients to have to drive 30 plus minutes for what we believe is basic care,” Harris said.
Harris said the project includes new services and equipment aimed at expanding care locally.
“We are investing over $1 million in creating our Women’s Health Center that encompasses a level two obstetrics center and nursery,” he said.
Indiana Hospital Association President Scott Tittle said hospitals across the state are facing ongoing challenges.
“Hospitals are facing mounting pressures, persistent workforce shortages, rising costs and reimbursement does not reflect the true cost of providing care,” Tittle said.
“These pressures are felt most acutely in rural and community hospitals,” he said.
Shawn McCoy, the CEO of Deaconess Health System in Evansville said access to care close to home remains important for patients.
“If I can get that care as close to your house as I can, you’re more likely to engage with that care.”
Vincennes University was also part of the event. President Chuck Johnson was there and told First City News the university was involved in the project through student work.
“The CEO… came to us and said that he would like to engage some of our students in helping design the signage for this new facility,” Johnson said.
Johnson added the university continues to support the hospital through its healthcare programs.
“I think we are the biggest provider of talent… in the nursing and health care fields for this hospital,” he said.
The Women’s Health Center has been open for about two weeks and is now serving patients.
