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Ellsworth County Medical Center CEO warns rural plan would end inpatient services
Summary
Jim Kirkbride, CEO of Ellsworth County Medical Center, told county commissioners March 23 that a proposed rural transformation program would close inpatient services at the hospital and leave only emergency care, threatening local access to family-centered inpatient stays.
Jim Kirkbride, CEO of Ellsworth County Medical Center, told the Ellsworth County Board of Commissioners on March 23 that he is "disappointed in the push for rural transformation programs," saying the proposal would end inpatient services at the hospital and leave only emergency care available.
Kirkbride said the biggest advantage of maintaining inpatient care in a rural community is keeping loved ones close when they need hospital stays rather than transferring them to distant facilities. His remarks came during the appointments portion of the board's meeting; commissioners did not record any formal action in response to the hospital chief's remarks.
Why it matters: Losing inpatient capacity can require residents to travel farther for overnight care, complicating family visits and continuity of care in emergencies. The transcript records Kirkbride's opposition but does not show any county directive or vote on the matter.
There was no quoted response from commissioners in the minutes. The record does not specify whether county staff or the hospital will pursue follow-up steps or discussions with regional health partners.
