South KC News

Bates County Memorial Hospital staff are highlighting the challenges and importance of rural healthcare in their community. Physicians, administrators, and board members at the hospital have shared their perspectives on what it means to provide medical care in a rural setting.

The hospital's staff emphasize that they share the same concerns as their patients when it comes to issues like insurance coverage and changes to Medicare and Medicaid. “As a surgeon, I often have to help patients make difficult decisions about their care — decisions made even harder when transportation, cost, or other barriers make it impossible to travel for treatment. I worry about what will happen if rural hospitals keep disappearing. Where will patients go when they need us most?” said Dr. William Joyce, Jr., General Surgeon.

Access to local healthcare is a significant concern as small hospitals continue to close across Missouri. Terri Floyd, CFO of Bates County Memorial Hospital, noted her personal experience with this issue: “I’ve seen firsthand what happens when a community loses its hospital. My own hometown went through it. The distance to care grows overnight, and people delay or even skip treatment because it’s just too far. That’s why keeping care local matters so much.”

Hospital representatives also point out that rural facilities can offer more services than many residents might expect, including advanced imaging, lab work, specialty clinics, and same-day surgeries. Board member Rock Marquardt stated: “I feel this is the people’s hospital.  As a board member we strive to keep the hospital relevant with the services we offer. When the people of Bates County require medical services, we want them to think of BCMH first.”

Recruiting healthcare providers remains an ongoing challenge for rural communities like Bates County. The hospital invests in mentoring students and encouraging local talent into health professions. “Rural patients deserve the same quality of care as anyone else, but we can only provide it if we have the people to deliver it. That’s why we work hard to mentor students and encourage local talent to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, and allied health. Several of our former employees are now in medical school because a doctor here saw their potential and took the time to guide them. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of this job — knowing we’re building the next generation of caregivers for our own community,” said Dr. James Miller, Medical Director.

Staff also address misconceptions about rural hospitals being inferior compared to urban facilities: “People sometimes assume that a rural hospital is somehow ‘less’ than a big-city facility. The truth is, being smaller means everything is closer, with less walking, less waiting, and more personal attention. We may not have the square footage of an urban medical center, but what we do have is expert, quality care delivered with a hometown touch. That means a lot to our patients,” said Jennifer Klinksick, RN, Chief Nursing Officer.

Greg Weaver, CEO of Bates County Memorial Hospital added: “Rural hospitals face more challenges than ever, but what doesn’t change is their importance. A hospital like ours is not only essential for health care, it’s a cornerstone of our community’s economy and future.”

The future stability of rural healthcare remains uncertain despite efforts by institutions like BCMH to maintain services locally through relationship-building with state leaders and seeking funding opportunities.

BCMH has served its community for 65 years and intends to continue doing so with ongoing support from residents.