Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center expands care continuum with skilled nursing beds

HOPE — Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center (SWARMC) is proud to announce that it now offers Skilled Nursing Beds, expanding access to post-acute care for patients who no longer require an acute hospital stay but still need ongoing skilled medical services before returning home.

Following a comprehensive survey, SWARMC was formally approved to provide skilled nursing services within the hospital setting. This designation allows patients to transition smoothly from inpatient care to skilled-level services, without leaving the community or the care teams they trust.

SWARMC provides a variety of skilled services, including:
● Physical Therapy
● IV Therapy
● Wound Care
● Pain Management
● Respiratory Care

Plans are already underway to expand services in the near future to include Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy, further strengthening rehabilitation and recovery options for patients across the region.

The Skilled Nursing Bed program is available to patients transitioning from SWARMC inpatient stays as well as patients referred from other hospitals and healthcare facilities, helping ensure continuity of care close to home for residents throughout Southwest Arkansas.

“This designation is more than an added service; it’s an investment in the people of our region,” Shelby Brown shared. “It allows us to keep patients closer to their families, their support systems, and their communities while receiving the skilled care they still need.”

By offering skilled nursing services locally, SWARMC enhances access to care not only for Hope and Hempstead County, but also for Nevada County, Lafayette County, and surrounding Southwest Arkansas communities. The ability to provide this care within the hospital supports continuity, reduces transitions, and keeps patients connected to local providers throughout their recovery.This milestone reflects SWARMC’s continued commitment to strengthening rural healthcare and ensuring vital services remain accessible close to home. It embodies the hospital’s guiding principle, Expert Care. Hometown Values., by combining high-quality clinical services with a deep-rooted dedication to the communities it serves.