Pittsburgh Review

AHN Westfield Memorial Hospital has announced its plan to seek a "rural emergency hospital" designation. This transition aims to convert the facility from a small inpatient hospital to one focused on 24/7 emergency, observation, and outpatient care. The move aligns with criteria set by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the New York State Department of Health.

Rodney Buchanan, administrator of WMH, stated that the designation is suitable for Westfield as it primarily offers outpatient services. Buchanan explained, "Maintaining a 24/7 inpatient unit is costly, and the expenses aren’t warranted by the volume we see at Westfield."

The conversion process would secure financial stability through greater reimbursement certainty and access to additional federal funding and higher Medicare rates. Chris Clark, president of SVH and Westfield, highlighted the importance of maintaining healthcare access in Westfield and northern Chautauqua County.

Most patients needing overnight care will be transferred to AHN Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania. Saint Vincent has been affiliated with WMH since 1999 and provides comprehensive medical services.

The rural emergency hospital option was finalized in January 2023 by federal authorities. Hospitals eligible for this designation must have fewer than 50 beds or already be designated as Critical Access Hospitals. Currently, only 35 hospitals nationwide have completed this conversion.

As part of the transition process, WMH is conducting a community survey to gather public input. Buchanan emphasized transparency and collaboration throughout the process to meet community needs effectively.

Chautauqua County's population is diverse, with significant poverty levels compared to state averages. Founded in 1942, WMH continues to evolve its facilities, including recent expansions in emergency and radiology services.