A Year of Transformation: Investing in Patient Care at OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital
When OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital officially became a full member of the OhioHealth family in January, it marked more than just a name change. It signaled the beginning of a new chapter focused on one clear goal: bringing the highest quality of care closer to home.
Over the past year, the hospital has seen a wave of investments designed to modernize the facility, expand clinical capabilities, and improve the patient experience from the moment they walk through the door.
Enhancing the Patient Experience
The first thing visitors might notice upon arriving is the physical transformation of the campus. New OhioHealth signage now proudly marks the building, symbolizing the deep integration of resources and expertise available to the community.
But the improvements go far beyond branding. A newly renovated patient walk-in entrance greets patients walking into the Emergency Department and Medical Specialty Center. Inside, furniture updates throughout the facility offer a more welcoming environment for patients and their families. In the Emergency Department—often the front line of community care—new patient beds have been installed, providing a more comfortable and effective experience for those in need.
Expanding Clinical Capabilities
Continuing to bring specialized care to Morrow County has been a top priority this year. For many patients, receiving advanced treatment used to mean driving long distances to larger metropolitan hospitals. That is changing.
Oncologist and hematologist Shakir Sarwar MD opened a cancer clinic at the hospital in July. This investment allows local patients to receive critical oncology services, such as bone marrow biopsies, right in their own community.
The introduction of a new hospitalist group has also brought a cutting-edge medical model to the bedside of patients admitted to the hospital. Through a partnership with MedOne, the hospital has implemented a telehealth medicine model. This technology connects local patients with specialized physicians instantly, ensuring geography is never a barrier to receiving top-tier medical advice and treatment plans.
Diagnostic capabilities are seeing a major boost, as well. The hospital has increased its MRI capacity, allowing for more appointments and faster diagnoses. Additionally, new partnerships have brought positron-emission tomography (PET) scanning technology to the facility, a vital tool for detecting and monitoring various conditions, including cancer.
Efficiency Behind the Scenes
While patient-facing improvements are easy to spot, some of the most critical investments happen behind the scenes. This year, the hospital modernized its supply chain inventory storage room. The overhaul improves the efficiency of moving general supplies throughout the hospital, reducing waste and delays. Similarly, the sterile processing supply room has been updated, streamlining the movement of surgical supplies and ensuring that the operating rooms operate with maximum safety and efficiency.
"The investments made in Morrow County Hospital over the past year highlight OhioHealth’s commitment to providing the hospital with the full strength of its resources and expertise,” said Morrow County Hospital President Mike Hyek. “While we’ve always delivered personalized, high-quality care, it’s inspiring to see how the support of a leading healthcare system enhances our ability to keep even more care close to home."
Looking to the Future
As impactful as this first year has been, the momentum isn't slowing down. The team at Morrow County Hospital is already preparing for the next major leap forward.
Coming this February is the "Go Live" of the EPIC electronic medical record system. This massive, $6 million undertaking, which has required months of preparation over the last year, will connect Morrow County Hospital seamlessly with the entire OhioHealth system. It means a patient’s medical history will be easily accessible to their entire care team, regardless of where they are treated within the network, enhancing safety and coordination of care.
"We’re thrilled to see the EPIC electronic system come to life, streamlining the way patients find and access healthcare,” said Hyek. “It’s just another way Morrow County Hospital will have a positive impact on our community. We look forward to the continued advancements on the horizon."
