RICHMOND, Mo. — Beginning October 1, Gates Hospitalists LLC will provide acute inpatient
and swing bed care at Ray County Hospital and Healthcare (RCHH), strengthening the hospital’s
ability to care for patients close to home throughout their hospital stay and recovery.

Gates Hospitalists physicians specialize in caring for hospitalized patients. They manage
treatment plans, monitor patient progress day to day, and work closely with nursing staff,
therapists, consulting specialists, and primary care providers to coordinate care from admission
through discharge.

In addition to caring for patients who require acute hospitalization, Gates Hospitalists will
provide physician oversight for RCHH’s swing bed program. Swing bed care allows eligible
patients who no longer require acute hospital-level care, but still need skilled nursing or
rehabilitation services before safely returning home, to continue their recovery at RCHH.
This may also include patients recovering from surgery, illness, injury, or a hospitalization at
another facility who need additional nursing care, physical or occupational therapy, medication
management, or other skilled services.

The partnership supports RCHH’s continued focus on expanding the care that can safely and
appropriately be provided locally. Gates Hospitalists will collaborate with RCHH’s medical staff,
primary care providers, and specialists to coordinate treatment and help patients remain in their
community for care whenever clinically appropriate.

Gates Hospitalists is headquartered in North Kansas City, Missouri, and was founded in 2002.
The group also partners with Carroll County Memorial Hospital, Excelsior Springs Hospital, and
NKC Health. Their experience caring for patients in critical access and community hospital
settings aligns closely with RCHH’s commitment to maintaining strong, accessible healthcare
services in Ray County.

“This partnership is about strengthening our ability to care for our patients right here in
their own community,” said Lisa DeKezel, CEO of Ray County Hospital and Healthcare.
“Whether someone needs acute hospital care or additional skilled care and rehabilitation
before returning home, our goal is to provide that care locally, close to home and their
loved ones. Gates Hospitalists shares that commitment and will work closely with our
physicians, specialists, nursing team, therapists, and community providers to keep care
coordinated around the needs of each patient.”

More information about the Gates Hospitalists physicians is available at
gateshospitalists.com.