Sallisaw Hospital Has New Name

Julie Ward

Anyone who calls Sequoyah Memorial Hospital in Sallisaw should not hang up when the person answering announces the hospital is now “Northeastern Health System.”

That is the new name of the Sallisaw hospital.

Northeastern Health System (NHS) in Tahlequah recently partnered with Sequoyah Memorial Hospital (SMH) in Sallisaw and the hospital was re-branded as Northeastern Health System Sequoyah

A press release from NHS said, “This agreement will maintain the small-town values and community model that patients have come to love and respect. The agreement will have many benefits for both facilities, including the knowledge and experience of Julie Ward, who will serve as NHS Sequoyah’s CEO.”

The release says Ward brings more than 20 years of rural healthcare experience, having worked at Northeastern Health System since 1995, in which time she earned her CPA and worked her way up to vice president of finance.

Her ties to Sallisaw and the surrounding communities run deep. She lived right across the street from the hospital, graduated from Northeastern State University, and currently lives in Vian.

“I am very excited for this opportunity,” said Ward. “Continuing to remain profitable in today’s environment is the biggest challenge all hospitals face. My heart is in this community and I am excited to bring the knowledge I have gained at NHS to NHS Sequoyah.”

With the change in payment plans from Medicare and Medicaid, as well as higher insurance deductibles, many smaller healthcare facilities are finding it difficult to maintain a positive bottom line. Partnering with larger health systems is often a way to continue offering services in rural settings.

“We want patients in our surrounding communities to have the best care possible,” said Brian Woodliff, NHS President and CEO. “We can help bring new services and specialties to SMH, while maintaining small–town values that are unique to our management style. This is a win for everyone.”

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

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