Covington County Hospital and South Central Regional Medical Center are currently collaborating to establish Smith County Emergency Hospital, a new rural emergency hospital. The facility is located at 347 Magnolia Drive in Raleigh, MS, and is scheduled to begin operations in late December 2024 or early January 2025.
The hospital is preparing to enter the renovation phase, including the acquisition of fixed assets for the new emergency department, radiology, imaging suite, laboratory, and admissions area.
An economic impact study completed by the Trent Lott National Center at the University of Southern Mississippi indicates that the Smith County Emergency Hospital will have an economic impact of nearly $30 million per year. Moreover, this project will lead to the creation of 80 new local jobs.
"This is a powerful story of collaboration and dedicated efforts to fulfill a deserving community's healthcare and emergency service needs," said Gregg Gibbes, CEO of CCH and SCRMC.
Since Smith County currently does not have a hospital, the opening of Smith County Emergency Hospital will substantially enhance medical care for residents of Smith County and surrounding areas, providing emergency medical services, outpatient services, and reducing travel time.
Jerry Fields, the President of the Smith County Board of Supervisors, said, “I am confident of the positive impacts that Smith County Emergency Hospital will have on the county, including life-saving measures, job opportunities, and economic gains. We are excited.”
Gibbes said, “The new Rural Emergency Hospital will be a lifesaver for Raleigh, Smith County, and neighboring communities, particularly during an emergency where every minute matters.
Branding and marketing plans for Smith County Emergency Hospital are being finalized to ensure a successful launch, and the recruitment of qualified personnel will begin in the Fall of 2024, under the leadership of Covington County Hospital.
The successful collaboration of Covington County Hospital, South Central Regional Medical Center, Magee General Hospital, and Simpson General Hospital, along with the addition of Smith County Emergency Hospital, will address significant needs in the Smith County area and strengthen existing affiliations. This is an example of neighboring rural hospitals working together to provide a local solution for a community in need. Gibbes said, “Although the small rural hospital stigma does exist, Mississippi has some very successful rural hospitals. We are very intentional about collaboration and thinking outside of the box, and in a few short months we will deliver on our promise to serve another community.”
