Feenstra was impressed with the new equipment and technology that’s been implemented at SMCH, particularly in the obstetrics department. SMCH is one of only 26 critical-access hospitals in the state of Iowa that offers maternity services. In 2023, SMCH delivered babies from 15 different counties across the state.

Following the tour, Feenstra sat down to discuss his work in congress to expand rural healthcare and advance telehealth in rural communities with SMCH CEO Linn Block, hospital board member Teresa Hildreth, and Lake City Mayor Mike Schleisman.

Feenstra emphasized his dedication to keeping rural hospitals open and strengthening the rural healthcare workforce. Block commented on Stewart Memorial’s commitment to offering services like orthopedic surgery so that patients don’t have to travel hundreds of miles for total joint replacements. Hildreth added that SMCH has a great partnership with Calhoun County’s paramedic services, creating better outcomes in emergency situations.

Block said, “It’s important that rural, critical-access facilities take advantage of great opportunities like this to advocate for legislature that can improve our services and community as a whole.”

Stewart Memorial Community Hospital is a critical-access hospital in Lake City that offers a wide variety of acute and skilled care for patients of all ages. Its dedicated staff of over 250 people uses the latest in medical technologies to provide the highest quality in coordinated care. SMCH is an 11-time Top Workplace Award winner and recently completed a $31 million renovation project that greatly improved the efficiency, privacy, and safety throughout the facility.