Posted: June 30, 2006
Hansford County Hospital District Relocates Business Office
The Business Office for Hansford County Hospital District has been moved to the former physicians’ clinic located just south of Hansford Manor.  Patients needing to make payments or to inquire about billing information should now use this new Business Office location for business transactions.  Admissions will continue to occur in the front office of Hansford Hospital.

The move was prompted by the need to vacate the current Business Office in order to make room for future renovation/expansion projects presented by the District’s planning committee.  “Space planning is a big issue for Hansford County Hospital District,” says Steve Hartgraves, District CEO/Administrator.  “This move is a perfect opportunity for us to take advantage of space that was not being used [old physicians clinics] and to free up some of the areas of the hospital that can be used for future expansion projects that will better serve our patients,” continues Hartgraves.

Modifications had to be made to the original physicians’ clinic building before this move could occur.  According to Hartgraves, members of the District’s Maintenance staff provided most of the labor to renovate the space now occupied by Business Office personnel.  “Our Maintenance staff took on the renovation project as a way to save on construction costs.  And what we ended up with is an office building that is one of the best facilities we could have ever hoped for,” says Hartgraves.  “I knew our staff was talented, but I’m simply blown away by the amazing job [they’ve] done,” he continues.

Mailing addresses and phone numbers for Business Office personnel will remain the same even though the physical location has changed.  Anyone with questions about this move should contact Lisa Unruh at 659-5824.

Posted: June 30, 2006
HCHD Designated as Level IV Trauma Center
After many months of hard work, preparation, education, and most of all, dedication of the hospital staff, the Texas Department of Health's (TDH) Bureau of Emergency Management has designated Hansford County Hospital District (HCHD) as a Level IV Trauma Center.  What this says about Hansford Hospital Physicians and staff is that they have met an extensive list of eligibility criteria for treatment of emergency room trauma patients.  The qualifying criteria include Physicians and Nursing staff obtaining certification in trauma care.

All of HCHD physicians who cover the ER are Advanced Trauma Life Support [ATLS] certified and all RN nursing staff covering the ER are Trauma Nurse [TNCC] certified.  Additional criteria (just to name a few) include: obtaining appropriate equipment, documentation requirements, and timeliness of the care provided.  Various policies and procedures were developed for the provision of care of trauma patients.  The list goes on and on.

TDH states that the survival rate of trauma patients increases if Level IV Trauma facilities like HCHD are prepared to stabilize and transfer all major and severely injured trauma patients to a higher level of care.

"I am very proud of our Hospital District.  Without the support of the Board of Directors, Physicians, Administration, and most of all the hospital nursing staff (they are the best around) this would not have been possible.  Becoming Level IV Trauma designated has been a goal of mine since I went to work for HCHD two and a half years ago, and I would like to say thank you to all for helping me to reach this goal," states Joann Schneider, RN Director of Nursing/Trauma Coordinator.

"We are truly fortunate to have such a dedicated medical staff, clinical support and leadership team here at HCHD.  This milestone achievement will serve Hansford and surrounding counties for years to come," states Steve Hartgraves, District CEO.

"Hansford County Hospital has made significant strides in the last three years in improving and updating their healthcare system.  The Level IV Trauma designation shows that HCHD is on par with other hospitals in the ability to provide quality emergency healthcare to the residents of our county.  I am excited and proud to be a member of this healthcare system," states Dr. Mark Garnett, DO.