When it comes to health care, the choice still belongs to the patient. That’s the message Great Bend Regional Hospital Chief Executive Officer Brent Hanson wants the community to hear.
 “You’re capable of making your own medical decisions,” he said. “We simply want you to know Great Bend Regional Hospital remains your choice for hospital care in Great Bend.”
The hospital is launching its new “hospitalist” program. The program ensures that the facility is fully capable of taking great care of all patients in the event they require hospitalization; no matter who is their primary care physician.
“We can and will welcome you in an emergency or urgent situation, as well as a direct admit from your doctor’s office,” Hanson said. “At your request, you can be admitted right in Great Bend rather than at a facility more than an hour away.”
It is the right, he said, of a patient to choose where they’re hospitalized. “We’re here for you should you choose to exercise that right and we hope that you do.”
The convenience of receiving healthcare in one’s own community has been and will continue to be made available by Great Bend Regional’s hospitalists. “There is no need to switch primary care physicians should you choose to be admitted with us; our hospitalist will care for you during your stay, but we will happily coordinate post-discharge care with your current doctor.”
This brings up the question what’s a hospitalist?
 As defined by the Society of Hospital Medicine, a hospitalist is a “physician whose primary professional focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients. Their activities include patient care, teaching, research, and leadership related to Hospital Medicine.”
 A hospitalist typically spends most of their days working inside the hospital rather than in an outpatient setting or office,” Hanson said. This affords patients the benefit of being cared for by a physician who’s focused entirely on hospitalized patients.
“If necessary, they’ll work directly with your primary care physician to determine the best course of treatment,” the CEO said. “The hospitalist will also be available to you and your family to answer questions regarding your care during your stay.”
Hanson said the GBRH staff is available to answer any questions about the hospitalist program. Also, for more information, visit gbregional.com/hospitalist-program.