PATRICK COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — BradenHealth is moving forward with its effort to reopen the Patrick County hospital, with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) confirming the facility is now ready for its first round of life safety inspections.

The inspection marks an essential phase in hospital renovation, focusing on fire protection systems, safe egress, mechanical and electrical safety, and overall building readiness under the National Fire Protection Association’s Life Safety Code.

Successfully passing this stage often signals a project is around 70% complete and allows for the next stages—equipment installation, operational surveys, and preparations for opening, a news release said.

“We are excited about this green light from the Virginia Department of Health, as it confirms our team’s meticulous efforts to create a safe, modern healthcare environment,” said Kyle Kopec, MHA, Chief Communications Officer and Co-Founder of BradenHealth. “This milestone brings us closer to addressing the healthcare needs of rural communities like Patrick County.”

The hospital has undergone extensive upgrades including installation of new plumbing systems, electrical overhauls, lighting upgrades, replacement of HVAC ducting, fire safety improvements, and asbestos mitigation.

Work also included building access control, generator installation, pharmacy preparation, and IT infrastructure development.

Ongoing efforts include updated medical gas systems, kitchen plumbing, operating room environmental controls, and parking lot resurfacing.

“Restoring Stuart Community Hospital is about more than bricks and mortar—it’s about rebuilding community trust and access to care,” said Dr. Beau R. Braden, DO, MPH, MS, CEO and Founder of BradenHealth. “Achieving inspection readiness validates our approach to sustainable rural medicine.”

The release said that to ensure inspections proceed smoothly, public tours are temporarily suspended but will resume once inspections conclude.

BradenHealth extended thanks to the Virginia Department of Health, the State Office of Rural Health, the Office of Health Equity, Delegate Wren Williams, and several partners including Brandon Rivenbark, Dr. Katarina Rampe, MD, and Erik Bodin for their support.

BradenHealth specializes in revitalizing and operating rural hospitals through innovative healthcare delivery and strong community partnerships.

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