Ascension St. John plans to end inpatient care at Nowata hospital. Residents are fighting back.
Ascension St. John is seeking federal approval to turn its Nowata hospital into a rural emergency facility, which would mean ending acute inpatient and swing-bed services. The model provides enhanced support to hospitals to maintain local access to emergency and outpatient services.
The nonprofit health system said the move would support the long-term viability of local health care. But many residents oppose the change, arguing that inpatient care is essential for Nowata County.
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