Northeastern Health System Keeps Care Moving Quickly Despite Rural Hospital Closures

Tahlequah, OK – September 22, 2025 – Rural Oklahomans are feeling the impact of hospital closures and Medicaid funding cuts, but Northeastern Health System (NHS) wants the community to know it is still here – and still moving patients through its Emergency Department faster than ever.

Since the temporary closure of Stilwell Memorial Hospital, NHS has been caring for more than 200 additional emergency patients each month. According to CMS, the National Average ER wait times range are 2 hours 40 minutes. Even with that surge, patients at NHS are still seen by a doctor in less than 13 minutes on average, thanks to a team of experienced nurses and board-certified emergency medicine physicians on duty around the clock.

“Our community is going through a lot right now,” said Dr. Doug Nolan, Board Trustee at NHS. “When a neighboring hospital closes, it doesn’t just go away quietly — the patients still need help, and they come to us. We’re proud we can respond quickly, but it takes a huge effort from our staff every single day.”

Leaders also ask for patience and understanding when visiting the ER. “We know it’s stressful to sit in a waiting room,” Dr. Ana Fisher, ER Medical Director said. “But the order in which people are called back isn’t just first-come, first-served — it’s based on how serious their condition is. Someone who appears to arrive after you might actually be in a life-threatening situation.”

Like many hospitals, NHS also struggles with finding safe places for patients to go after treatment. “We’re constantly working with families and community partners to discharge people to environments that can meet their needs and follow through on their treatment plans,” Dr. Fisher added. “It’s one of the hardest parts of modern health care, especially in rural areas.”

For those with non-life-threatening conditions, NHS offers a convenient alternative: its Urgent Care Clinic at 1201 East Ross on the Bypass, open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. “If you’re unsure where to go, remember urgent care can often get you in and out faster for minor issues, which also frees up the ER for true emergencies,” Dr. Nolan said.

Despite the pressures, the NHS team remains upbeat. “We love this community,” said Dr. Fisher. “We’ll keep showing up, and we’ll keep finding ways to give you the best care possible — no matter how tough things get.”

About Northeastern Health System

Northeastern Health System (NHS) is a leading rural healthcare provider in northeastern Oklahoma, offering a full spectrum of services including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and specialty clinics. NHS is committed to patient-centered care and advancing health outcomes in the communities it serves.