NEWS
IMPACT: Bowie Memorial Hospital Much more than just an ER, loss of 100-plus employees, $5 million annual payroll is far-reaching
This story is part of an ongoing IMPACT series exploring the consequences for the possible closure of Bowie Memorial Hospital could mean for the community and county.
By BARBARA GREEN
Hospital closures can devastate rural economies.
Not only does a hospital provide medical care to its citizens, it provides jobs, growth and stability to what can often be a struggling rural economy.
While the hospital board is struggling with its finances and trying to find some answers, its board members have said there is a definite possibility the facility could close if they cannot find a solution.
Here are some economic facts about health care from Healthland Fighting for Rural Hospital testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee.
•It is estimated that every health care dollar spent locally recycles through the community one and a half times.
•The presence of one physician accounts for 8.4 jobs in the local economy.
•Health care accounts for 15 to 20 percent of all jobs in rural communities (both primary and second employment).
Read the full news feature on the impact of Bowie Memorial Hospital in the greater Bowie area in your weekend Bowie News.
The Bowie City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on May 27 in council chambers.
Items on the agenda include the following: City manager’s report discussing the master plan grant, repairs to Rock and Pillar and status of the substation transformer; consent agenda of minutes and bills; speed limit ordinance update second reading; Bowie 4B Sales Tax Corporation request to approve expenditures on park enhancement project to include additional concrete parking at Pelham Park and installation of covered pickleball courts southwest of the Bowie knife and public comments.
Bowie City Councilors heard complaints about the recently approved food truck ordinance during last week’s meeting and were updated on damage from recent flash flooding.
Mayor Gaylynn Burris also presented a proclamation for Emergency Medical Services Week, as members of the local EMS team were presented with the proclamation.
In his city manager’s report, Bert Cunningham said there were numerous problems with excessive rainfall during the last few weeks, with the most significant at Rock and Pillar where the rusted washed out culverts have been deteriorating for several years. Portions of Rock have collapsed near that intersection closing part of the street.
Another less traveled street had a sinkhole which the city crews have repaired, and two crews have been out trying to fill potholes and make street repairs as they can.
Cunningham told the council they have to figure out a way to pay for the new culverts on Rock and Pillar, and he has been meeting with a pair of engineering companies to get some preliminary estimates that are close to $1,000,000. He also has been talking with the city’s financial advisor to discuss options for financing repairs.
Read the full story in the May 22 Bowie News.
Photo – Mayor Gaylynn Burris presented a proclamation from the City of Bowie for National EMS Recognition Week. Several members of the Bowie EMS team were present: Daniel Fogle, Enrique Roman, Fire Chief Doug Page, Chad Gerlach, Marco Sandoval and Luke Waltersheid. (Courtesy photo)
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