Texas County Memorial Hospital (TCMH) received an official announcement June 30 from the state of Missouri that the hospital was approved for an additional $1 million direct appropriation to benefit the new surgery center. Governor Mike Parson signed legislation directly appropriating $1 million in capital funding for the effort.
The funds came shortly after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development awarded TCMH a $1 million grant through the America Rescue Plan’s Emergency Rural Healthcare grant. This makes a total of $2 million in federal and state funding for the new surgery center.
“We want to thank all of the legislators who helped pass this historic budget that cements our state’s strong financial position and provides tremendous opportunities for Missourians, both today and tomorrow,” Parson said. “Informed by the needs of Missourians all across the state, we have once again passed a balanced and conservative budget that benefits every Missourian.”
“With record revenue, strong economic performance, and significant sums of Missourians’ federal tax dollars returning to our state, this session we met the moment and approved strategic investments that will serve generations of Missourians,” Parson continued.
The surgery center shell located between the Jayson Gentry Community Safe Room and east wing of the hospital is already built and in place. When the hospital constructed the safe room, it included space between the safe room and the hospital to build a new surgery department. The new surgery center is designed to house two operating rooms, an endoscopy suite, and pre-surgical prep and post-surgery recovery.
“A new surgery center will significantly enhance the delivery of basic, vital health services to the rural area,” Jeff Gettys, TCMH director of projects, said. “Whether it is a mother undergoing a procedure during the delivery of a newborn or another patient receiving one of our 1,400+ surgical procedures per year, the members of our community deserve the best care, latest technology, and an updated facility for their wellbeing.”
Gettys praised the efforts of Missouri Senator Karla Eslinger, as she was a key player in orchestrating the direct appropriation funds for TCMH. “Senator Eslinger understands the importance of our local health system and the impact our completed surgical center will have on the patients in her district.”
“Investing in our community and rural healthcare has always been a priority of mine,” said Eslinger. “I was proud to work with Texas County Memorial Hospital leadership in securing funding to finish this critical project.”
“As construction costs continue to rise, it is imperative that we continue to explore alternative sources of funding to successfully complete these major improvements throughout our health system,” Gettys said.
The health system expects the completion of the new surgery center in 2023.
