"Kremmling Memorial Hospital is staying"

Although a recent poll from Sky Hi Daily News shows that the vast majority of responders believe the proposed Middle Park Medical Center Project by Kremmling Memorial Hospital is needed and a good idea,
( http://apps.skyhidailynews.com/utils/polling/poll_results.php?poll_ident=1978a )certain minority (and appreciated) perception exists that the hospital in Kremmling might one day disappear because of the measured decision to also provide services on the east side of Grand County with the proposed Middle Park Medical Center.

There are several reason why the hospital in Kremmling must remain in Kremmling and even more reasons why the propossed Middle Park Medical Center will actually provide the resources necessary to not only provide services to the Kremmling neighbors to the east side of the county, but to also provide the means to continue and grow the hospital services on the west side of Grand County. The full intention of everyone involved in the planning process is to have both the hospital in Kremmling AND the Middle Park Medical Center in Granby.

First of all, it is important to note that the hospital is needed in Kremmling. Sure, there are not a lot of people on the west side, (approximately 80% of the entire county population resides on the eastern portion), but the residents and guests of the Kremmling area still need Emergency care and always will. (We also figure that a significant population within the Kremmling area can be re-captured, as we develop and enhance services).

In order to provide emergency care, a hospital must have radiology services, laboratory services and a clinic. From there it's just a simple step up to provide patient beds. (Further more, it is believed that improved billing systems, electronic medical records, the continuation of retaining extraordinary medical providers and other medical professionals, will actually prove to recapture locals who had stopped patronizing KMHD years ago for one reason or another. Yes, we are working hard to give those people legitimate reason to come back and utilize their hospital. In fact, we have testimonials galore of people who believe they or their family have received very high levels of care, with unusually compassionate and caring providers and high-technology).

Additionally, the hospital simply CAN NOT move and discontinue current services in Kremmling and maintain it's business model. That drastic and unimaginable move would require CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid) approval--a vital part of KMHD's revenue matrix. (see: http://www.cms.gov/) Doing so would also alter another revenue stream, so vital to the financial operations of the hospital--Critical Access designation. (see: http://www.coruralhealth.org/programs/cah/coloradocahs.htm )
So, by vitue of maintaining two revenue channels, the mere thought of building the propossed Middle Park Medical Center Project in Granby and discontinuing services in Kremmling automatically becomes counter-intuitive.

KMHD CEO reminds all citizens and guests of Grand County, that "the hospital is not leaving Kremmling now, while we are developing the proposed Middle Park Medical Center in Granby, nor after." Every effort and intention of the administration and the community elected board of directions is directed towards a county-wide, community oriented view of managing and providing sustainable and viable healthcare systems.

The hospital board believes we are approaching this project very thoroughly. (Keep in mind this has been in the works for well over 12 years!) No stone has gone unturned. Diligence has been applied in every single aspect, from feasibility studies to community feedback forums and more. It is this well-thought-out approach, with a community wide perspective that seeks to retain healthcare services locally and keep them managed and controlled locally, that fuels the drive and energy of so many professionals and volunteers, government officials and citizens engaging in thoughtful discussion and forward-moving actions to provide healthcare.