What We Wish Our Neighbors Knew About Rural Healthcare
James Miller, DO (left), family practice physician at Nursery Street Family Care Clinic, with William Joyce, Jr., DO, general surgeon at BCMH.
We live here, too. We shop in the same stores, sit beside you at ballgames, and wave when we pass on the back roads. And every day at Bates County Memorial Hospital, we work to care for our neighbors — you. We’re proud to be part of Bates County and surrounding communities, and we feel privileged to make a difference here.
Providing health care in a rural setting comes with unique rewards and challenges. Here’s a closer look at what we wish everyone knew about rural health care, in the words of the people who provide it.
We care — deeply.
It should go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: when a doctor recommends a test or procedure and insurance says no, we feel the same frustration you do. We also worry about changes to Medicare and Medicaid and how they could affect the most vulnerable in our communities.
“As a surgeon, I often have to help patients make difficult decisions about their care — decisions made even harder when transportation, cost, or other barriers make it impossible to travel for treatment. I worry about what will happen if rural hospitals keep disappearing. Where will patients go when they need us most?” — Dr. William Joyce, Jr., General Surgeon
Access to care is everything.
Not every rural town is as fortunate as Bates County to have a hospital nearby. Across Missouri, small hospitals close each year, leaving residents to travel hours for even basic care.
“I’ve seen firsthand what happens when a community loses its hospital. My own hometown went through it. The distance to care grows overnight, and people delay or even skip treatment because it’s just too far. That’s why keeping care local matters so much.” —Terri Floyd, CFO
We offer more than you might think.
From advanced imaging and lab work to specialty clinics and same-day surgeries, a lot of care is available close to home without a long drive. And when a higher level of care is needed, we connect patients quickly to the right place and help coordinate the process.
“I feel this is the people’s hospital. As a board member we strive to keep the hospital relevant with the services we offer. When the people of Bates County require medical services, we want them to think of BCMH first.” —Rock Marquardt, BCMH Board Member
Recruiting providers to rural areas isn’t easy.
At BCMH, we’re not just filling today’s needs — we’re investing in tomorrow’s.
“Rural patients deserve the same quality of care as anyone else, but we can only provide it if we have the people to deliver it. That’s why we work hard to mentor students and encourage local talent to pursue careers in medicine, nursing, and allied health. Several of our former employees are now in medical school because a doctor here saw their potential and took the time to guide them. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of this job — knowing we’re building the next generation of caregivers for our own community.” — Dr. James Miller, Medical Director
Rural doesn’t mean less.
At BCMH, our modest size and hometown culture make care easier, and more personal, for patients.
“People sometimes assume that a rural hospital is somehow ‘less’ than a big-city facility. The truth is, being smaller means everything is closer, with less walking, less waiting, and more personal attention. We may not have the square footage of an urban medical center, but what we do have is expert, quality care delivered with a hometown touch. That means a lot to our patients.” — Jennifer Klinksick, RN, Chief Nursing Officer
The landscape of healthcare is turbulent, especially for rural hospitals.
“Rural hospitals face more challenges than ever, but what doesn’t change is their importance. A hospital like ours is not only essential for health care, it’s a cornerstone of our community’s economy and future.” — Greg Weaver, CEO
The Future of Rural Healthcare Is Never Guaranteed
Here’s something we wish all of our citizens knew: we may not be among the rural hospitals on the brink of closure — and we’re working hard to make sure it stays that way — but rural healthcare is vulnerable. Even strong hospitals like ours face the same economic, regulatory, and workforce challenges that have forced other communities to lose theirs.
That’s why we don’t take a single day for granted. We’re building relationships with state leaders, searching for every possible source of funding, and finding creative ways to keep care local. We’ll keep doing that, because we never want our community to wonder where they’ll go for care if we weren’t here.
BCMH has been here for 65 years, and with your trust and support, we’ll be here for generations to come. This is our home, too, and your health will always be our priority.
