BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE – BRENHAM PLANNING UPGRADES
Baylor Scott and White’s facilities in Brenham are undergoing major changes.
Starting in August, the Brenham hospital will start a $2.3 million emergency department renovation. The upgrades, which are fully funded through the Baylor Scott and White Foundation, will consist of new fully private rooms, dedicated triage space, and an expanded nurses’ station.
Baylor Scott and White Regional President Jason Jennings said the enhancements will greatly benefit both patients and staff.
The work is expected to take between 12 and 15 months to complete.
In addition, investments from the Baylor Scott and White system and philanthropic foundation will provide over $5.6 million in improvements to Brenham healthcare services. The clinic on North Park Street will receive an upgraded MRI, 3D mammography, and increased audiology services.
The hospital is also completing renovations to its five labor and delivery rooms and nine patient rooms. Those upgrades are planned to be complete later this summer.
Baylor Scott and White will now also have its first outpatient pharmacy in Brenham effective July 1st. Jennings announced that Baylor Scott and White is acquiring Medical Arts Drug Company.
Over the past year, Baylor Scott and White in Brenham has increased from 30 to 36 primary care providers, while also adding two new OB/GYNs and one new general surgeon to total three of each, respectively.
Baylor Scott and White has also applied for Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation in Brenham. According to Jennings, this designation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would allow the hospital to receive increased federal reimbursement for certain services offered.
If the hospital is approved for CAH designation, it will be required to reduce its number of licensed beds from 60 to 25. However, Jennings said this will not change the services offered in Brenham, and he does not expect this bed reduction to affect the number of patients it can care for.
Baylor Scott and White Hospital Board Chair Shirley Herring said this process has been in the works for over a year, and has the support of the board and of local and state officials. She called it an exciting opportunity, and is hopeful the hospital receives the designation.
The hospital will be notified within 60 days if it is approved.