WINTERS, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — Healthcare may soon look different in Runnels County. The North Runnels Hospital board met Friday evening to discuss whether the medical facilities, such as the hospital, nursing home, and EMS services, should close or stay open. Residents made a last stand to save the medical facilities and are looking for answers as to what caused the entire health district to struggle financially.

According to Nicholas Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of the North Runnels County Hospital District, more money has been going out than in since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's really hard to make payroll, to make everything else work, and my first priority is to make payroll. The nursing home represents the majority of the loss," explained Lewis to a crowd of more than 40 residents in attendance at the meeting.

At the meeting, it was decided to wait until May 15th for a potential buyer to purchase the nursing home. However, at this time, there are not enough funds to make payroll. On Facebook, the North Runnels Hospital shared that they will hold another meeting on Tuesday, April 23rd, to discuss a plan of action further.

Resident Lisa Rowlett shared her experience: For years, the nursing home has dealt with financial issues, but it was not until recently that she learned the entire district was at risk.

"I don't think a lot of folks were aware that the entire district was at risk until very recently. I don't know if we can salvage everything but surely we don't have to give up everything," added Rowlett.

She's concerned that if facilities close without medical care, residents may need to drive minutes or even hours to the nearest town.

"You can put a parent for two hours on the road for travel time instead of driving down the road for 10 minutes," explained Rowlett.

While much focus was on healthcare for senior citizens, other residents shared concerns over the effect it could have on local sports.

"EMS is a vital part of our community, and the need arises, they are able to get here and be able to do what they need to do to take care of our students," explained Brian Green, assistant football and track coach in Winters.

While the facilities have been struggling financially, residents share that the quality of care has made a difference in their lives. Resident Judy Black shared that her mother has been a resident at the nursing home since February 2024. Despite being in other nursing homes before, the care she has received has been top-notch and her best experience so far. However, due to the financial challenges, families were not aware that things were that rough.

"I'm wondering if they are going to make payroll on Friday, and that has got to affect you, but they don't let us, the families, see that, or the people they are caring for see it. Just the emotional support in those places has not been what she has received here. I don't know if there is an equally alternate situation; I just really don't know what that would be, " said Black.

News Source : https://www.conchovalleyhomepage.com/news/local-news/runnels-county/north-runnels-county-health-district-faces-financial-issues-at-risk-of-closure/