Care Still Lives Here: Continuing to Serve the Community as an Outpatient Services Center

BRADFORD, PA - While healthcare in the community is changing, the services and the people providing these services inside the former Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and their continued commitment to caring for the people of Bradford is not.

Following the transition from inpatient and emergency services, the former BRMC continues to serve the community as an outpatient services center, providing a range of primary and specialty care services close to home. For generations, BRMC has been a part of the fabric of this community, and today that mission continues in a new way by ensuring local patients still have access to essential healthcare services right here in Bradford.

"Change is never easy, especially when it involves an institution that has meant so much to so many for so long," said Bradley J. Chapman, president, Olean General Hospital (OGH). "We understand the emotions surrounding this transition, and we want the Bradford community to know this clearly: healthcare services remain here, and we remain committed to caring for this community with compassion, respect and excellence."

The facility remains home to a variety of outpatient services designed to meet the ongoing healthcare needs of local residents. Services currently available in Bradford include:

• Primary care
• Pediatrics
• Women's health which recently relocated on the third floor of the facility in suite 33
• Cardiology
• Orthopaedics and sports medicine
• General surgery
• Urology
• Lab blood draw services, open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Medical oncology new patient consultations
• Pain management and physical medicine rehabilitation
• Radiology/imaging services including mammography, ultrasound, x-ray and DEXA services, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation
• Occupational health services
• The Pavilion, skilled nursing facility

These services allow patients to continue receiving many of the healthcare services they need without leaving the community. For patients and families, that means continued access to trusted providers, familiar locations and important follow-up care close to home.

Hospital leaders say community support will be critical in sustaining these services for the future.

"Our message is simple: these services are here for you, and we want to continue providing them for Bradford," added Chapman. "Using local healthcare services when appropriate helps support access to care in this community. We want to continue serving Bradford, and we remain focused on building a strong outpatient center that meets the needs of local patients today and sustaining services into the future."

The transition marks the end of one chapter in BRMC's history, but not the end of healthcare in Bradford. Instead, leaders say it is an opportunity to continue providing needed care in a model that reflects the realities of today's healthcare environment while preserving access for the community.

For those who have turned to BRMC for care over the years, the organization acknowledges the deep sense of loss and uncertainty this transition may bring. At the same time, leaders hope the community will see that the facility remains a place of healing, support and connection and that its doors remain open for many of the services patients rely on every day.

"Bradford deserves access to quality healthcare close to home," said Chapman. "That remains Kaleida Health's goal and commitment to the community."

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and Kaleida Health discussions have continued regarding LECOM acquiring the Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) campus, including The Pavilion, the 95-bed skilled nursing facility. Through this transaction, LECOM will assume ownership and operational responsibility for The Pavilion and the BRMC campus building. LECOM's involvement reflects a long-term commitment to sustaining healthcare access in Bradford and strengthening the campus as a vital community resource.

Kaleida Health will continue to provide outpatient services on the campus while LECOM takes ownership of the facility and operational oversight of The Pavilion. The acquisition is still pending regulatory approval from the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office.

For more information about services available in Bradford, visit brmc-ogh.org.