Visiting Hours
Admissions and Financial Information
Goodall-Witcher Hospital Services
IN-PATIENT SERVICES
The nursing staff coordinates patient care as prescribed by the physician. The nursing staff combines the skill of a caring touch with modern technology to care for patients of all ages.
- Medical and Surgical – Patients with medical or surgical conditions are cared for in this unit. The services of the dietician, social worker, respiratory and rehab services assist patient recovery and transition to home or nursing facility environment.
Obstetrics and Nursery – While many rural
hospitals have closed this service, GWHF provides the spectrum of
care from natural childbirth to Cesarean delivery. A birthing room
is available for the family experience. The most up-to-date
equipment is available to care for mother and newborn. Childbirth
and new parent education is encouraged and provided.- Intensive Care – Patients who are extremely ill, at risk for fast changes in physical condition, and need continuous cardiac monitoring receive care in this unit. The nursing staff is knowledgeable and has received training in the newest drugs and procedures used to respond quickly and effectively to patient needs. Respiratory Therapists provide specialized care for patients who are on a ventilator.
Discharge Planning Program - A designated nurse coordinates the details of recovery care, for all patients, with input from the social worker, therapists, and nursing staff, so that recovery care is arranged.
The Swing Bed Program - In order to qualify for this program, the Medicare patient must have been admitted to the hospital for at least 3 consecutive days within the last 30 days, be referred to skilled nursing by a physician, and need skilled nursing care or rehabilitative services on a daily basis. These patients require a longer time to recover from serious illness or injury. The program is intended to increase the patient’s level of independence and a return to the patient’s home. These services may include physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, special diet, medications, skin or wound care and health education in making changes to lifestyle or living arrangements.
SURGICAL SERVICES
General surgery is another service offered by Goodall-Witcher Hospital. A board-certified general surgeon and anesthesiologist are available for both emergency and elective cases. Additionally, state-of-the-art endoscopic equipment and highly qualified staff are available for other procedures such as colonoscopies and other endoscopic procedures.
REHAB SERVICES
(Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapy)
Physical therapy offers treatment for injury, disability or physical defect through the use of exercise, heat, massage, and other external means. A program to correct urinary incontinence is available for men and women. Speech therapy offers treatment for patients who have difficulty swallowing or speaking. Occupational therapy offers treatment for adaptation to home or work setting following an injury or illness that resulted in limited body movement. All therapies are available to qualified patients who are inpatients or outpatients; to home-bound patients and residents of the nursing facility. The focus of this service is to enhance and improve the quality of life by promoting and maximizing self-care, independence and safety in activities of daily living.
LABORATORY SERVICES
The Laboratory Department is approved by Medicare and under the direction of a board certified pathologist. Tests are available in the following areas: chemistry, hematology, serology, urinalysis, coagulation, microbiology, immunology, and blood gases. Transfusion services (blood and blood products) are also available. Anatomical pathology is available through Central Texas Pathology Laboratory in Waco, Texas.
RADIOLOGY SERVICES
The Radiology/X-ray Department offers three major divisions: Diagnostic Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound. Diagnostic Radiology consists of two X-ray rooms for procedures and fluoroscopy. Nuclear Medicine includes brain, bone, thyroid and lung scans as well as other special diagnostic studies. Ultrasound scans include uterus, fetal during pregnancy, heart echocardiography and abdomen. Computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanning and mammography are also provided at the facility. The mammography unit is FDA approved and certified by the American College of Radiology. Bone density examination is available. The Radiology Department is under the direction of a board certified radiologist who directs a team of highly-trained radiological technicians.
SOCIAL SERVICES
The Social Worker is available to assist patients and families before, during, and after hospitalization. Services include referrals to home health, nursing home placement, equipment procurement, protective services and government agencies for financial assistance.
RESPIRATORY THERAPY SERVICES
Respiratory therapy is indicated for patients who require improvement in lung function. Highly-specialized equipment is used such as a pulmonary function unit, a blood gas unit, pulse-oximeter, ultra-sonic nebulizers and volume ventilators. Registered respiratory therapist and a team of highly-trained respiratory technicians provide these services to patients in the hospital.
PHARMACY SERVICES
The Pharmacy provides medications only for patients who are in the hospital. This service is under the direction of a registered pharmacist who provides consultation to physicians and nurses and directs a team of highly-trained pharmacy technicians.
MEDICAL RECORDS
The Medical Records Department keeps all records of patient visits to the hospital. The staff may be reached at 254-675-8322 to obtain medical records with the written permission of the patient.
MEDICAL STAFF
The active medical staff includes physician specialists in family practice, internal medicine, surgery, radiology and anesthesiology. The consulting staff is comprised of more than 40 doctors and dentists from most major specialties.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Physicians and Nurse Practitioners staff the Emergency Department 24 hours/day, 7 days/week to provide care for patients in need of emergency care. Nurses, who have specialized training in the care of very sick or injured patients, stabilize and transport trauma patients who are seen by the ER provider according to the trauma plan. There is a helipad at the hospital that is used to transport patients by air. Goodall-Witcher Hospital is a designated Level 4 trauma facility by the State of Texas Health Services Department. Helicopter transport to specialty physician and hospital care is available if needed.
KIDKARE PROGRAM
Entertainment options are available for our “littlest patients” in the form of toys, movies, games and an entertainment center. Assistance with these special needs are coordinated through the Rehab Services Department.
OUT-PATIENT SERVICES
No longer does a person have to be admitted to the hospital to receive essential healthcare services. Laboratory, radiology and selected surgical and diagnostic procedures are available.
CAFETERIA
The hospital cafeteria is provided for the convenience of hospital personnel and guests. There is a complete line of hot and cold foods. The area adjacent to the cafeteria with vending machines is open 24 hours a day for the convenience of our guests. Light snacks and beverages are available in this area. The cafeteria hours are:
Breakfast: 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Lunch: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Coffee: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.