Our Town Lexington: Quality health care close to home

LEXINGTON, Neb. (KOLN) - The CEO of Lexington Regional Health Center says the hospital’s mission remains focused on providing quality care and patient experience despite the loss of jobs recently at the Tyson plant in town.

“We feel for the families that have really helped to shape Tyson and contribute all these years to such a tremendous success within this community,” Douglas said. “Our thoughts and prayers are really with those family members. But as it relates to Lexington Regional Health Center, our mission doesn’t change.”

The plant closure requires the hospital to examine business aspects of operations, Douglas said. The hospital is not looking at employment changes but studying how to continue serving the community.

In regards to the Tyson closure, Douglas said Lexington presents expansion opportunities for companies seeking new locations. “I think any company that’s looking for expansion opportunity, they would find a gold mine, really, in Lexington,” Douglas said. “We have folks with a great work ethic. We have folks still here, given the recent announcement of the Tyson closure.” The community offers infrastructure advantages including rail access, interstate connections and a workforce with strong work ethic, Douglas said.

Despite the Tyson challenges, Douglas says the hospital continues to have much to offer. Lexington Regional Health Center operates as a 25-bed critical access hospital providing family medical services, emergency room care and specialty services through visiting specialists. Recent facility improvements include a new radiology department, updated outpatient center and renovated OB suite, Douglas said.

Douglas says the hospital continues to put an effort toward the recruitment of nurses, physicians and other healthcare professionals to Lexington, because of the medical facilities in town, and the fact that Lexington offers a great quality of life.

“I would just encourage any professional that’s looking for an opportunity and wants to be part of a special community, please give us a look,” Douglas said.

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