‘It will save lives’: As rural Nebraska hospitals struggle, one gets a boost

FRIEND, Neb. (KLKN) — A rural Nebraska hospital is getting a shot in the arm allowing it to keep its doors open.

Friend Community Healthcare System is the state’s first Rural Emergency Hospital.

This new classification means the hospital will receive a 5% boost in Medicare outpatient reimbursement and an average of $3.2 million a year in federal funds.

Under the new designation, the hospital’s clinic and emergency room will stay the same. But they will not be allowed to have inpatients.

“Going REH still provides that emergent care that our community desperately needs, and I believe it will save lives going into the future,” said Jared Chaffin, chief financial officer and interim co-CEO.

The Nebraska Hospital Association reported that 60% of the state’s rural hospitals are losing money on operations.

Officials said the new designation will help the Friend hospital and prevent it from shutting down.

“We have some local people that work in the hospital, that live just blocks away from the hospital,” said Ron Te Brink, chief information officer and interim co-CEO.

He said it’s extremely important for them and the community to keep their jobs.

The hospital’s vice president of clinical services and interim co-CEO, Amy Thimm, said Friend’s older population just can’t travel longer distances for care.

Residents of Friend said knowing they will still have a hospital brings them relief. 

“It brings a sense of care, comfort and peace to the community just knowing that is available here,” April Wegenhaupt said.