U.S. Senator John Boozman spent some time at Baptist Crittenden recently during a visit to Crittenden County.
Boozman took a tour of the hospital, learned about its success and engaged in a lively discussion about the challenges facing the area’s health care providers.
“We were thrilled and so proud to welcome Senator Boozman to our hospital,” said Brian Welton, CEO and administrator of Baptist Crittenden. “He took time to listen to us and even asked what he could do to help. I truly appreciate his service to our community and our state.”
Other local officials, including Crittenden County Judge Woody Wheeless; West Memphis, Arkansas, Mayor Marco McClendon; Marion, Arkansas, Mayor Frank Fogleman; Arkansas State Representative Milton Nicks; and representatives from the Marion Chamber of Commerce and the West Memphis Chamber of Commerce, were also on hand to greet Boozman.
Since opening on Dec. 13, the Baptist Crittenden team has treated 10,000 ER patients and admitted 265 patients, both higher than leaders anticipated. Dr. Randy Smith, a GI Specialists physician, and Dr. Jeremy Whitt performed the hospital’s first gastroenterology procedure in April, and cancer and general surgery services are coming soon. Ambulances can pick up and drop off patients four times faster than before Baptist Crittenden opened because they no longer have to leave Arkansas to reach the nearest hospital.
