Introduction

Westfield Memorial Hospital (“WMH”) has engaged Stroudwater Associates (“Stroudwater”) to assist with developing a Health Equity Impact Assessment (“HEIA”) related to Rural Emergency Hospital (“REH”) designation. To support this effort, Stroudwater is engaging with key stakeholders within the community and at WMH. These discussions will help identify primary needs and concerns related to health equity in the community and the conversion of WMH to an REH. By engaging with community members, healthcare professionals, and other relevant parties, Stroudwater aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities related to health equity in the area. These findings will be instrumental in developing a detailed Certificate of Need (“CON”) application, ensuring that the community’s needs are clearly articulated and addressed. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the foundation of the project but also reinforces WMH's commitment to promoting health equity and improving access to quality healthcare services for all community members.
WMH asks that you take 10 minutes to complete and submit your responses to its survey linked below. Your answers are confidential.
This survey is open to the public. Feel free to share the survey link with other community members who may be interested in participating.
Thank you.


ABOUT RURAL EMERGENCY HOSPITALS Rural emergency hospitals (REH) are a new Medicare provider designation established by Congress through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. REHs are meant to reinforce access to outpatient medical services and reduce health disparities in areas that may not be able to sustain a full-service hospital. Starting in January 2023,small rural hospitals with no more than 50 beds may apply for REH designation and receive Medicare payment for providing emergency services. While the new REH designation does not maintain access to inpatient services it will maintain access to emergency services, observation care, and additional medical and outpatient services in rural areas.
ABOUT WESTFIELD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL Westfield Memorial Hospital is a 4-bed PPS hospital in Westfield, New York. A member of the Allegheny Health Network, WMH serves the communities of Westfield, Ripley, Brocton, Sherman, Clymer, Bemus Point, Mayville, Chautauqua, Stockton, Portland, Dewittville, Hartfield, and Ashville.
ABOUT STROUDWATER ASSOCIATES Stroudwater Associates is an employee-owned healthcare consulting firm founded in 1985 with experience advising rural and community hospitals in all 50 states. They advise a national healthcare market including State Offices of Rural Health, community-based organizations, major academic and tertiary care centers, rural and community hospitals, physician groups, ACOs, health plans, and provider organizations. Their consulting team offers deep expertise and broad experience in strategic, financial, clinical, and operational areas.

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