A regional strategy. Networking gives rural residents access to high-quality healthcare.

In 1978 the Board of Trustees at St. Edward Mercy Medical Center, Fort Smith, AR, adopted a policy that the center would increase its bed size only to meet community needs or to offer needed services. The policy choice was the first step in the development of a regional network that now serves five rural communities. Although there was some resistance to the move at first, when management formalized some of its basic assumptions and values, it became clear that establishing a regional network was right for St. Edward. It would provide economic benefits to the communities in which facilities were acquired or constructed; it would give rural residents better access to primary healthcare; and it would provide the Religious Sisters of Mercy an opportunity to extend their ministry. Networking has also allowed the facilities involved to develop economies of scale and to avoid costly duplication of certain basic services. In addition, primary care physicians in rural communities served by the network have been an important source of referrals to specialists who utilize St. Edward.