Population growth in the Reno Sparks metropolitan area will not be immediately signed.
Washoe County had a population of nearly half a million people in 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau reports. In 2010, the county had over 421,000 residents, growing nearly 20% in more than a decade. To the rapid expansion of people, local healthcare providers are rushing to meet the needs of current and incoming residents. The new medical facility was born beyond the larger Reno Sparks, is it enough?
The NNBW was carried out by executives of the major healthcare networks that ask questions and others serve the area. Here's their answer.
Derek Gram, CEO of St. Mary's Health Network
Derekgram
The local healthcare organization is adding a variety of facilities, from new hospitals to independent emergency rooms and specialized care clinics. Is the region to meet the ever-growing population of northern Nevada “the right size” or is it always ongoing to meet the health needs of its residents?
Meeting the healthcare needs of a growing community is an ongoing process. Northern Nevada has made significant progress in expanding healthcare facilities across the region, but it will always require continuous evaluation and adaptation.
St. Mary's Health Network is committed to proactively addressing the evolving needs of patients. This commitment is reflected in recent expansion in key areas such as brain and spine care, wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, radiation oncology, and mobilization of new cardiothoracic surgeons into the region. We also recognize the increasing importance of expanding access to primary care and professional services, and are still committed to meeting that demand.
We believe that a dynamic approach focusing on predicting and addressing community needs is essential to ensure access to quality healthcare for all residents. Just adding additional facilities and buildings does not mean that access is improved or better service is provided.
Are areas where access to healthcare improved is the main focus of the organization? why?
Saint Mary's Health Network works to ensure the latest health advancements and technologies in the community, as well as establishing efficient access to these industry-leading interventions and services. We strive to provide valuable care that meets our patients' daily needs.
This commitment is validated by recognition from the Low Institute as ranked No. 1 in Nevada for its value of care. It focuses on improving access to services across the network, from primary care to specialized services, ensuring patients can easily navigate their health care system and receive timely and appropriate care.
The shortage of trained healthcare workers and professionals has long been documented. What efforts did the organization make to ensure appropriate staffing levels in existing and new facilities?
Saint Mary's Health Network uses national resources and is a proud member of Prime Healthcare, working with network officials to enhance recruitment efforts. These resources and support can be used to recruit and retain talent from across the country.
We believe that the most persuasive aspect of our network is our culture. We foster a supportive, welcoming and supportive environment that values our employees and promotes professional growth. This positive culture, coupled with competitive rewards and profits, has proven to be our strongest recruitment tool.
We are also fortunate to be located in this area, an area that attracts talented healthcare professionals for the growth of the available outdoor activities, and business and culture. We strive to create an environment where healthcare professionals are empowered to flourish and provide exceptional patient care.
Brian Erling, President and CEO, Famous Health
Brian Erling The local healthcare organization is adding a variety of facilities, from new hospitals to independent emergency rooms and specialized care clinics. Is the region to meet the ever-growing population of northern Nevada “the right size” or is it always ongoing to meet the health needs of its residents?Northern Nevada is one of the most desirable places to live, and its growth has not slowed. Famously, we have seen a significant increase in consumer demand for physicians and programs, and we are continuing to work to bring additional clinicians to the area and increase access to exceptional and affordable care. In a growing community like ours, this job never stops. As Northern Nevada continues to grow, so does our community's needs, and we understand that. That's why we have a new strategic plan – we look ahead and plan for the next few years, not just for the next few decades.
Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and fame is committed to moving forward. We invest in new facilities, train, recruit, maintain the highest level of care teams, and in cutting-edge technology to ensure that our communities receive the best possible care. Equally important, we recognize the changing way people seek healthcare and work to adapt to meet those needs.
Are areas where access to healthcare improved is the main focus of the organization? why?
High quality care close to your home is a principle of honor. We believe that everyone deserves access to exceptional health care without the burden of long-distance travel. To support this, we are focusing on expanding and strengthening services in Northern Nevada. Over the past six months alone, Rhunown is:
New Crisis Care Center has been opened
New simulation center announced
• Builds a 121,000-square-foot specialty care hospital
• Secure important funding to support pediatric cancer clinical trials
•Nationwidely recognized surgeons of E. coli and obesity were welcomed.
Recognised among the top 100 cancer programs in the US
•Introducing online scheduling for primary care and child appointments
Added a life-saving transplant program
•Respiratory therapy training programme has been launched
• Begin accepting Medicaid at all emergency care locations
Access to healthcare in rural communities is also very important. As the only Level II trauma center between Salt Lake City and Sacramento, fame offers a vast and geographically unique area. This will become a top priority in supporting rural communities. We are dedicated to enhancing access to healthcare in these areas by expanding our services, expanding outreach and strengthening our telehealth capabilities. No matter where someone lives, they deserve access to the highest level of care.
The shortage of trained healthcare workers and professionals has long been documented. What efforts did the organization make to ensure appropriate staffing levels in existing and new facilities?
Rhunown is a “People First” organization. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. When team members feel valued, supported and proud of their work, they know they provide the best possible care to our community. That's why we focus on fostering a positive workplace culture, which leads to strong retention across the team. It is also growing continuously. Our dedication to workplace excellence is recognized by us as leaders in “the best place for working parents” and “workplace wellness.” We offer valuable benefits such as education reimbursement and 401(k) matching so that our employees can build a fulfilling, long-term career with us.
As an academic health system, we are committed to solving the shortage of healthcare workers. As a few examples, we recently launched a pediatric residency program, and were in the application stage to launch an Obgyn residency, partnered with Orvis School of Nursing to increase nurse training rates and recently launched North Nevada's only echo technician training program. These programs provide career opportunities for our community while ensuring access to care for the future.
Sierra Medical Center CEO/Jordan Helget of North Nevada Health System
Jordan Hellett
The local healthcare organization is adding a variety of facilities, from new hospitals to independent emergency rooms and specialized care clinics. Is the region to meet the ever-growing population of northern Nevada “the right size” or is it always ongoing to meet the health needs of its residents?
There has been a significant population growth in our community, and local economic data shows continued growth over the next few years. Access to healthcare and quality healthcare must be top priorities to actively meet demand. Northern Nevada Health System has added more than five new facilities to its Care Network since 2018, including Reno's Sierra Medical Center. Our strategic growth initiatives are intentionally consistent with population growth, allowing our communities to choose from a variety of healthcare options.
Are areas where access to healthcare has improved is the organization's focus? why?
The Northern Nevada Health System continues to educate patients about a network of care that provides everything from primary care and annual wellness visits to emergency care clinics and independent emergency departments that provide care to people with emergency emergency health conditions. Our team promotes ongoing care by allowing patients to revisit their primary care provider after emergency room visits, surgery, or similar health care encounters, allowing patients to assist in managing their chronic health and post-hospital care. When patients use full care and work with healthcare providers to manage their health, health outcomes can dramatically improve.
The shortage of trained healthcare workers and professionals has long been documented. What efforts did the organization make to ensure appropriate staffing levels in existing and new facilities?
As a local healthcare system, we have all seen the challenges by recruiting healthcare workers. The impact is not only focused on physician nursing and recruitment. Northern Nevada Health System continues to expand its footprint in the market, developing strategic recruitment efforts to staff each new facility while maintaining its current facilities. Working with Nevada universities, we will recruit qualified candidates and actively link students to a network of care for employment opportunities during our degree program. Additionally, we focus on integrating current staff retention with professional development opportunities to support staff growth.
