The Llano Regional Hospital (LRH), formerly under Mid Coast Health System, is undergoing a major transformation. With a renewed focus on independence and community-driven healthcare, the hospital is overcoming past challenges to forge a stronger future. The News sat down with President of the Llano County Hospital Authority Board, Pat McDowell, and LRH CEO Hatch Smith for an exclusive discussion about the past, present and future of the hospital and the journey that has led the institution back to its local roots.
Llano Regional Hospital (LRH) is the newly rebranded Llano County Hospital, emphasizing its role as a regional hub serving Llano, eastern Mason, and San Saba counties. To bolster its relaunch, the hospital has partnered with Austin-based Groundswell Marketing, a healthcare-focused firm recommended by the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals (TORCH). A grant will help cover much of the firm’s services, ensuring a robust marketing strategy.
“It was a natural fit,” said Smith. “We are closely monitoring every penny and every dollar, but you can't really pinch pennies when it comes to marketing, rebranding, and PR. They’re doing the whole nine yards. It’ll be more robust than what we’ve had and more focused on Llano.”
