Pictured: Obstetrics Director Susan Stevens RN, SMCH CEO Linn Block, Hospital Board Member Teresa Hildreth, and U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra discuss the struggles faced by rural healthcare facilities while touring the SMCH Obstetrics Department.
Iowa 4th District U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra visited Stewart Memorial Community Hospital (SMCH) earlier this week to tour the hospital’s rehabilitation services, obstetrics, and emergency departments. As a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee in the U.S. House, Feenstra noted the hospital’s willingness to adopt cutting-edge equipment and technology. Following the tour, discussions were held with SMCH CEO Linn Block, Hospital Board Member Teresa Hildreth, and Lake City Mayor Mike Schleisman. The conversation focused on Feenstra’s congressional efforts to expand rural healthcare and promote telehealth in rural communities. Feenstra emphasized his commitment to sustaining rural hospitals and fortifying the rural healthcare workforce. Block highlighted Stewart Memorial’s dedication to offering services like orthopedic surgery locally, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for procedures. Block stressed the importance of rural, critical-access facilities, advocating for legislative improvements to enhance services and community well-being. Stewart Memorial Community Hospital, a critical-access hospital in Lake City, recently completed a $31 million renovation project, earning recognition as an eleven-time Top Workplace Award winner.