A Great Day for Patrick County

Once on the verge of ceasing operations and closing ts doors, Patrick County's beleagured hospital has new managment and renewed hope. "It's a great day for Patrick County," declared Del. Ward Armstrong Tuesday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony and public reception celebrating the start of operations of the local hospital (officially March 1, 2009), now known as Pioneer Community Hospital of Patrick County, under the management of Pioneer Medical Services, a Mississippi-based company that specializes in the operations of critical access hospitals.

This truly is 'great' news for a community that has endured many years of economic hardship, in general, and financial struggles by the hospital, in particular. The local hospital is vital to the continued growth and vitality of our county, in terms of, not only health care services but, economic development, community stability, and quality of life . The fact that the would-be tragedy of its closing was averted is attributable to the widespread community support the hosptial enjoys as well as the collaboration of officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government. The community is "sincere about the hospital," said Pioneer executive Steve Fontaine, applauding its public backing. He said that sincerity was a major factor in the decision by Pioneer Health Services to enter into a 5-year lease areement to manage and operate the hospital with plans to expand its services and, hopefully, recall laid off workers. The resuce of the medical facility by Pioneer marks the start of a new era for the hospital which has been an indispensable community resource for 47 years having been opened in 1962.

I commend County Administrator Jay Scudder for his tireless work in pursuing a solution to the hospital's dilemma over many months. "Perseverence" was the key, said Scudder. Also to be commended are members of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, Assistant County Adminitrator and Economic Development Director Tom Rose, State Sen. Roscoe Reynolds, Del. Armstrong, U.S. Representative Rick Boucher, Governor Tim Kaine and other state officials, and many other community leaders who worked behind the scenes to make Tuesday "a great day for Patrick County."

Now, its up to the community to use the hospital and to support its revitalization in order for the local hospital to become financially viable. Our continued community support will ensure that Tuesay, Mar. 3, 2009 truly was a "great day" in the history of Patrick County.

Taking pride in Patrick,
Richard