RICHARDS MEMORIAL PLANS PROGRESSING FORWARD AND ON SCHEDULE

Rockdale, Texas (September 26, 2006) – Enthusiasm rang throughout the board room as Richards Memorial Healthcare System board of directors and Blackhawk Healthcare representatives discussed  the expansion and remodel of both the emergency department and chapel at Richards Memorial Hospital.  President of the Board, John M. Weed III., M.D., stated that these “plans are moving forward as planned and on schedule”.  The expansion of the emergency department will mean even shorter wait times, as well more privacy and comfort for patients and their families.  Hospital visits are often tough on family members and changes made to the existing chapel at Richards Memorial Hospital will prove to become a sanctuary where patients and families can meditate in a quiet, peaceful environment.

Richards Memorial Healthcare System is constantly moving forward in a positive direction and other projects are also on schedule.  As planned, Dr. Locklear and his team will be joining Richards Memorial Healthcare System on October 1^st.  In addition, the partnership with Blackhawk Healthcare is progressing forward and that changeover is slated for November 1^st.  The governing board voted to complete the application process to become an employee leasing company, which will allow the Rockdale Hospital District to lease their employees to Rockdale Blackhawk, LLC, which will be a profitable venture for the hospital district. 

Richards Memorial Healthcare System and Blackhawk Healthcare, LLC administrators are extremely excited about the changes taking place in Rockdale and the surrounding communities.  The transformation currently happening at Richards Memorial Healthcare System is converting healthcare in Milam County from the bare minimum necessary to that which is similar to a large city.