Garza County Health Care District
By Dakota McDonald/The Post Dispatch—
The Garza County Health Care District declined an offer from Lynn County Hospital District to implement a telemedicine program in Garza County schools, Post Nursing and Rehab Center and the Giles W. Dalby Correctional Facility.
During the Sept. 17 meeting, StarLeaf, health professionals said the telemedicine program would give an iPad and portable devices to check patients’ vital signs which would be reported to a Lynn County physician on the other end of the call.
Lynn County Hospital District President Calloway Huffaker said there are not enough citizens in Tahoka to support the Lynn County Hospital District, therefore, collaborating with surrounding rural communities like Post is vital.
The board asked UMC Health Systems personnel about the difference between Lynn County Hospital District’s program and the one already utilized by UMC. The program, UMC officials said, is limited to only video conferencing and to UMC personnel. The board was informed that third-party telemedicine would not be supported.
With too many variables making StarLeaf unviable to the community, the board chose to not back the implementation of the telemedicine program in their facilities.
Board member Terry Bartlett suggested the board consider advertising the current UMC telemedicine program to its patients.
The next regular meeting is set for Oct. 15 at noon.
