Terrell’s lone hospital now shut down following moves by feds, state officials to terminate funding

[TexasTowelie]

Update at 1:13 p.m. Federal regulators just confirmed that Renaissance Hospital Terrell has been shut down in the wake of recent patient-care breakdowns that included two deaths.

“There are no staff or patients in the facility, and it is not providing any care at all,” according to a statement CMS sent me moments ago.

<<<snip>>>

Original item at 12:17 p.m. In a rare action, federal and state health regulators are moving to shut down Renaissance Hospital Terrell for recklessly endangering patients, including nursing failures they say led to two deaths.

As of midnight, the lone hospital serving Terrell, southeast of Dallas in Kaufman County, became only the ninth hospital in the U.S. during the last three years to see its funding cut off by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, records show. And it’s only the fifth time since 2007 the Texas Department of State Health Services has moved to revoke a hospital’s license, that agency says.

We’re still trying to piece together the facts. But a January inspection report I obtained from CMS shows the 102-bed hospital – owned by RH Terrell Management LLC, as listed in state records – has violated 15 safety regulations in recent months, placing patients in the most serious threat category, “immediate jeopardy.’’

More at http://watchdogblog.dallasnews.com/2013/02/terrells-lone-hospital-faces-shutdown-by-feds-state-officials-serious-breakdowns-including-2-deaths-lead-to-rare-action.html/ .

[Sekhmets Daughter]

1. How far is the next nearest hospital? n/t

[The Philosopher]

2. According to the article, 11 miles.

'Closure would have a powerful impact in the county of 105,000 people and ripple effects in neighboring Dallas County, he said.

“We would have only one hospital,” Howie said, referring to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Kaufman. It’s about 11 miles from Renaissance. Seriously injured or ill patients would have to go there or into Dallas County to get care.'

[Sekhmets Daughter]

3. I don't know Texas at all...

except for US 10 across the state...But 11 miles can be an eternity away in a life threatening emergency.