(Corydon, April 2, 2015) Senator Joni Ernst paid a visit to the Wayne County Hospital (WCH) on Wednesday, April 1 as part of her 99 county tour. This was the Senator’s first visit and she toured the facility and visited with staff and patients.
She learned about the eICU offered at WCH that helps keep higher acuity patients at our facility without having to transfer to a larger facility avoiding difficult, long transfers for patients and travel time for family. She spent some time with patient Sarah Rogers, who is rehabilitating following knee replacement surgery, asking how her experience has been and how she liked her care. She even took a peek at the surgical site.
A short meeting was held with some of the hospital board, medical staff and leadership team members to discuss key issues among them concern regarding the availability of mental health support in the rural areas, and the current sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula that establishes provider pay under Medicare.
She rounded out her visit with a stop in the hospital cafeteria. She spoke with every individual there and took her time as she worked her way around the room listening attentively. The Senator exuded warmth and sincerity as she engaged in conversations throughout her visit.