Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center announces planned pause of Golden Care Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit

HOPE — Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center (SWARMC) announces a planned pause in operations of its Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit, Golden Care, following a comprehensive review of program sustainability.

This decision was made after careful evaluation of multiple factors, including reimbursement structures, regulatory requirements, and the overall resources required to safely provide specialized geriatric psychiatric care. These factors, taken together, led to the determination that pausing the service at this time is in the best interest of the sustainability of the hospital.

” Our responsibility is to ensure that SWARMC remains open, stable, and able to provide essential services to the communities we serve,” said Cindy Carmichael, CEO. “Making difficult decisions allows us to protect access to emergency care, inpatient medical services, and post-acute care for our region.”

During this planned pause, SWARMC’s emergency department, medical floor admissions, and swing bed program will remain fully operational, continuing to serve patients across Hope, Hempstead County, and surrounding Southwest Arkansas communities.

Patient safety and continuity of care remain top priorities. The hospital is working closely with patients, families, and care partners to ensure appropriate and respectful transitions for those currently receiving services through Golden Care.
Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center remains committed to responsibly evaluating future opportunities to support behavioral and mental health services while maintaining the strength and stability needed to remain open and serve the citizens of Southwest Arkansas.