Blowing Rock Hospital Joins Appalachian Healthcare System

Blowing Rock Hospital announced today that they are becoming a member of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS). The announcement came during a press conference Wednesday morning, May 30, at Blowing Rock Hospital.
As a member of the healthcare system, Blowing Rock Hospital will see cost savings in areas such as Human Resources, Information Technology, and Materials Management.
“We are excited to expand upon our relationship with Appalachian Regional Healthcare System,” said Jerry Burns, Chair, Blowing Rock Hospital Board of Trustees. “We expect the alliance to result in cost savings as well as provide new health care services to the area.”
As with Watauga Medical Center and Cannon Memorial hospital, Blowing Rock Hospital will retain its name, assets and liabilities. The hospital will continue to provide emergency services, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, ultrasound services and long-term care.
“Blowing Rock Hospital brings a distinguished history in the field of long-term care to our health system,” stated Richard Sparks, President and CEO of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System. “Friends of Residents in Long Term Care, a national association, named the hospital’s Dr. Charles Davant Extended Care Facility one of the best in the industry in 2006. We look forward to continuing the wonderful work they started.”
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System also consists of a regional cancer center, wellness center and kidney dialysis center. Other services include home health care, sleep services, rehabilitation and behavioral health services.
Blowing Rock Hospital, a private, non-profit critical access hospital, was established in 1952 to provide healthcare services to Blowing Rock and surrounding communities. The hospital provides acute, intermediate and skilled care - emergency services, physical therapy, respiratory therapy and ultrasound services, as well as long term care.
Blowing Rock Hospital’s Adult Care Center provides a program of care and mutual support for individuals that require more daytime assistance than their family and friends can provide. The Charles Davant Extended Care Facility is home to an average of 70 patients.
By joining Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, Blowing Rock Hospital assists in providing a more complete delivery program of care. The addition of long term care allows for easy movement of patients from acute to post acute care with minimal disruption.
In 2006, the Charles Davant Extended Care Facility was named one of the best in the industry by Friends of Residents in Long Term Care, a national association whose mission is to be a voice and advocate for residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
“Blowing Rock Hospital’s Extended Care Facility could very well serve as the pattern for patient and resident care, and certainly has established itself as a source of pride for all who utilize its services,” said June Bolton of Friends of Long Term Care’s regional office in Raleigh. “Our standards are high and Blowing Rock not only met those standards, but surpassed them. Their care and compassion for the residents under their care is truly exceptional and a great example for others to follow.”
For more information about Appalachian Regional Healthcare System visit www.apprhs.org.