Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center Delivering Quality Care and More to Southeast Missouri
3/28/2025
Total Community Benefit of Estimated $224M in 2024
Poplar Bluff, MO (March 28, 2025) – Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center provided care to thousands of area residents in 2024, with more than 361,000 patient encounters across its network of physician clinics and other outpatient sites of care. In addition to delivering safe, quality, compassionate healthcare, the health system is helping those in need, supporting charitable organizations and contributing to the area economy. In its most recent Community Benefit Report, PBRMC’s impact totaled an estimated $224 million in 2024.
With more than 42,000 emergency department visits annually, the hospital remains committed to providing lifesaving, medically necessary care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. In 2024, PBRMC provided $83 million in charity and uncompensated care and provided resources to help patients in need secure medications and medical support devices.
The number of patients transported to PBRMC by EMS has grown each year, bringing individuals from around the region. The growing demand for care led the hospital’s emergency and hospitalist physicians and staff to strengthen processes to efficiently transition patients from the ER to their next level of care, whether admission to inpatient or discharge. As a result, the average time patients spent in the ER for their care decreased by more than 30 minutes.
“Our work to grow and enhance the medical services we provide is ongoing, as we continuously improve our safety and quality and support access to healthcare for our community,” said Clyde Wood, CEO of PBRMC. “From providing care to our most vulnerable residents to supporting local charitable organizations, we are proud to make an impact on the health, well-being and quality of life in Poplar Bluff and surrounding area.”
The health system and its employees also support local organizations that make a difference, especially those addressing social determinants of health. Through service projects such as the annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter drive for SEMO Food Bank and contributions to charitable organizations such as Boys & Girls Club of the Heartland, Aging Matters, and Haven House, PBRMC gives back to the community throughout the year.
To enhance patient care and expand healthcare access, PBRMC is investing in medical services, facilities and technologies. Capital projects in 2024 totaled $3.5 million and included upgrades to the surgical suites, robotic suites, and room integration to enhance the patient experience. The upgraded patient monitoring system is integrated with the hospital’s electronic medical record, and implementation of a virtual sitter program provides continuous patient monitoring to support high-quality, responsive care. Workflow has been enhanced through the update to PBRMC’s enterprise software system.
PBRMC offers medical specialties including cardiology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, pulmonology, surgery, and critical care. Access has been enhanced with the addition of tele-critical care services to support medical staff and patients, in addition to the recruitment of primary care and surgical providers. The recruitment of two general surgeons means more surgical services are available locally, including bariatric surgery for patients seeking weight-loss solutions.
“We are strategically applying our resources to help area residents have access to the care they need close to home,” said CEO Wood. “These investments, along with our outstanding medical staff and employees, support our delivery of high-quality medical care and services for a positive patient experience.”
PBRMC is one of the community’s larger employers with a payroll of $108 million. It is supporting the future nursing and technical healthcare workforce in collaboration with Three Rivers College, Black River Technical College, and South Central Career Center. PBRMC works with Heartland Forward, a grant project under Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC), for a nurse extern program with 12 current participants.
PBRMC’s Internal Medicine Residency Program has 18 students and graduated its inaugural cohort of residents in May 2024. Six new residents will start this Summer. In addition to supporting the local economy through job creation, PBRMC paid $13.7 million in taxes in 2024, monies that support local infrastructure and civic resources.
PBRMC’s commitment to helping people get well and live healthier includes a free monthly e-newsletter with health and wellness tips for all ages. Sign up at PBRMC.com/enewsletter-sign-up.
Back