The business name initially was Brownfield General Hospital and later became Brownfield Regional Medical Center. Prior to the hospital district, the local hospital was owned and run by local physicians and was sold Terry County in the late 1950’s. Oversight was managed by a governing board appointed by the Terry County Commissioners. With establishment of the hospital district came the approval by
Terry County voters to build a new facility. Due to the large volume of patients another 22 private rooms were added in 1974, along with a new emergency department, 4 bed ICU, newborn nursery, physical therapy and LVN classroom. The facility was quickly utilized with admissions greater than the 76 bed capacity, resulting in numerous patients to be temporarily placed in various waiting areas, departments and hallways. The practice of medicine and regulations differed significantly during these early years compared to later decades. During this time period each of the physicians practiced obstetrics and performed their own surgeries. In 1979 a new 2 story wing was added to the facility which included 26 private patient rooms on the second story and medical records, central supply, laundry and meeting room on the first floor. Along with this project a 12 bed hallway of the original facility was converted into a 10 bed special care unit, which maintained a 70% occupancy rate for a number of years. In 1983 Medicare and Medicaid implemented the DRG (Diagnosis Related Groups) program, establishing guidelines and restrictions for admissions and altering payment methodology. Within a short time the average daily census fell dramatically. Due to the low patient volume patient care was limited to one nurse station, thus closing the SCU, South Station and Second Floor patient area. The LVN school closed in 1987 due to the decreased hospital census. In 1990 new opportunities in outpatient services were implemented, including home health, Phase 2 Cardiac Rehab and fitness center. BRMC financial condition began improving slowly, which eventually led to the building of some reserves. In January 1994 BRMC was one of three hospitals in the State of Texas to be the first to be designated Level IV Trauma Facility. BRMC participated in the trauma system development as a pilot facility. BRMC has benefited the hospital district population in providing necessary medical and emergency care, maintaining a significant workforce and helping to maintain a viable population for the region. BRMC staff is committed to continue providing quality and conscientious health care to all those we serve.
