Hope Lions Hear Program on Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center

The Hope Lions Club heard a program on Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center Monday (2-24) from the hospital’s administrator Shelby Brown.  Brown said the hospital’s mission is to provide good care, safe care, and quality care.  Brown credited Jamie Pafford-Gresham for stepping up to operate the hospital.  Brown said no one else was interested and the hospital faced closing due to the bankruptcy of its parent company, Steward.

Brown said Steward wanted to close the hospital back in 2023 but was persuaded by the Wadley CEO to keep it open.

The hospital includes the emergency room, I.C.U,, the regular hospital rooms, and the Golden Care Unit.  The hospital also has its own laboratory, physical therapy, progressive care, radiology, and respiratory therapy.

Brown gave some details on the emergency room which includes four larger rooms and four “fast track” rooms for lesser issues.  There’s also an observation room for patients that might be suicidal or a mental health issue.

The MRI at the hospital is back in service at the hospital.  SWARMC hired a new MRI tech in January and Brown says they’ve been very busy since then.  Brown also reminded the Lions if they need an MRI or CAT Scan, these can be done at the local hospital in Hope.  Brown noted utilizing the services available in Hope will help the hospital continue to serve Southwest Arkansas for many years to come.

Brown noted two clinics have been moved into the hospital.  These include the Pafford Clinic and Dr. Garrett’s office.  Also, two nurse practitioners are scheduled to move in as well.

The Golden Care unit is a gero-psych unit that evaluates seniors.  Brown says Hope is lucky to have a facility such as this as not many hospitals do.

The Lions asked Brown questions following her presentation and also indicated they were happy the Pafford organization is now running the hospital.