Business Details
30 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Healthcare Partner in the San Luis Valley
Rio Grande Hospital has been dedicated to providing compassionate healthcare to the San Luis Valley community since its reopening in 1996. Originally established in 1907 as St. Joseph's Hospital, our facility has grown from a ten-million-dollar investment into a state-of-the-art medical center offering 24/7 emergency care and specialized services. Our team of dedicated specialists brings world-class expertise in cardiology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and more, making quality healthcare accessible right here in our region. We distinguish ourselves through innovative medical practices, advanced wound care technology, and a commitment to wellness through preventative medicine.Our leadership team, including CEO Arlene Harms and our board-certified medical professionals, maintains rigorous standards for patient care while fostering collaborative partnerships within our diverse community. We operate with transparency and ethical integrity, demonstrated through our multiple recognitions including the 2024 Performance Leadership Award. Our facilities across Del Norte, Creede, Monte Vista, and South Fork ensure comprehensive coverage for our patients' needs.
Services
Emergency Care
Cardiac Rehabilitation
Colonoscopies
Dermatology
Orthopedic Surgery
Pain Management
Physical Therapy
Laboratory Services
Radiology
Wound Care
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 emergency services with board-certified medical professionals
- Our specialists provide advanced wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy
- We maintain state-of-the-art facilities across multiple locations in the valley
- Our team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons and pain management specialists
- We received recognition as one of Colorado's top critical access hospitals
Associations and certifications
- Level IV Trauma Center
- 2024 Performance Leadership Award
Services
Emergency Care
Our Level IV Trauma Center provides 24/7 emergency care with board-certified physicians and specialized nursing staff. We offer immediate evaluation, stabilization, and treatment for acute illnesses and traumatic injuries. Our facility maintains transfer protocols to higher-level care centers when needed.
Cardiac Rehabilitation
This comprehensive program combines supervised exercise, nutritional counseling, and stress management techniques to support heart health recovery. Patients receive personalized care plans that include medical therapy management and smoking cessation support under the guidance of experienced cardiac specialists.
Colonoscopies
Our gastroenterology team performs diagnostic colonoscopies for colorectal cancer screening and digestive health assessment. The procedure utilizes sedation for patient comfort and follows strict preparation protocols to ensure accurate diagnostic results through our affiliated endoscopy center.
Dermatology
Board-certified dermatologists provide diagnosis and treatment for skin, hair, and nail conditions. Our services include surgical dermatology, cosmetic treatments, and specialized care for both adult and pediatric patients through our specialty clinic in Del Norte.
Physical Therapy
Our licensed physical therapists offer customized rehabilitation programs for orthopedic injuries and post-surgical recovery. Treatment modalities include manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and specialized techniques like dry needling and vestibular rehabilitation across multiple valley locations.
People
Arlene Harms
Chief Executive Officer
Arlene Harms leads Rio Grande Hospital with over 20 years of healthcare administration experience. She emphasizes patient-centered care and community wellness initiatives while maintaining facility accreditation standards.
Dr. Kathryn Echols
Dermatologist
Board-certified dermatologist with specialized training in dermatopathology. Dr. Echols provides comprehensive skin care services including surgical and cosmetic treatments at our Del Norte specialty clinic.
Dr. Robert Hunter
Orthopedic Surgeon
Specializes in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine with expertise in knee and shoulder procedures. Dr. Hunter offers both surgical and non-surgical treatment options for musculoskeletal conditions.
Dr. Kenneth Lewis
Interventional Pain Management
Founder of Western Rockies Interventional Pain Specialists with 20+ years treating chronic pain conditions. Dr. Lewis combines interventional techniques with patient education for comprehensive pain management solutions.
Andres Torres
Physical Therapist
Doctor of Physical Therapy graduate from University of Colorado specializing in orthopedic rehabilitation. Torres provides personalized therapy programs for pre/post-operative patients and sports injury recovery in Del Norte.
Questions
What emergency services does Rio Grande Hospital provide?
We offer 24/7 emergency care with board-certified physicians and nursing staff, operating as a Level IV Trauma Center with transfer capabilities to higher-level facilities.
How can I schedule a specialist appointment?
Contact our Del Norte clinic directly at 719-657-4099 for orthopedic services, 719-657-3277 for dermatology, or 719-657-4140 for physical therapy appointments.
What diagnostic imaging services are available?
Our radiology department offers heart scans (coronary calcium scans) using multidetector CT technology for early detection of cardiovascular disease indicators.
Do you offer laboratory testing services?
Yes, our full-service lab provides blood work and diagnostic testing with certified phlebotomists and clinical laboratory professionals available Monday-Friday 8am-6pm.
What pain management options exist?
Board-certified pain specialists offer interventional treatments including spinal injections, nerve blocks, and personalized chronic pain management plans using both surgical and non-surgical approaches.
Are pharmacy services available at all locations?
The Monte Vista pharmacy offers drive-thru service Monday-Friday 9am-6pm with prescription transfers available to our Creede, Del Norte, and South Fork clinics.
Reviews (5)
Rob Mackenna
Jan 06, 2022
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What a bunch of caryion people Both DRs and nurses .I was treated with respect and dignity
The no.pain hospital
The no.pain hospital
Paul Barnes
Dec 23, 2021
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All the care my parents and I have received at Rio Grande Hospital has been excellent. My emergency room visits have been met with prompt and competent attention. All lab work and tests have been performed skillfully and courteously. For a small hospital, this place is awesome.
Clarence Welch
Dec 17, 2021
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Jeremy Porrett is the best Physical Therapist here at the RioGrande Hospital. I have been to many therapists including at RioGrande Clinics but they dont care about your progress or your pain level just numbers. With Jeremy numbers goes out the window. He truly cares about your progress . Do more of what feels good and less of what hurts is his saying
You will hear how Andres another PT is great. But Jeremy might not stand out but he is a hidden gem. In my books Jeremy is the best. And if you need therapy I would pick him. He recommended water therapy for me and its been working wonderful
You will hear how Andres another PT is great. But Jeremy might not stand out but he is a hidden gem. In my books Jeremy is the best. And if you need therapy I would pick him. He recommended water therapy for me and its been working wonderful
Young Mazino
Aug 03, 2021
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Came in to get my leg checked out after taking a hard fall cycling - they had one physician at the er who was able to immediately get me diagnosed and got me on my way to recovery.. so grateful there was a hospital I could go to! Saved me a possible infection in my hematoma as well as the informative staff who was able to help me in many ways!!
Yvonne Lester
Jul 30, 2021
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We loved this hospital!!! The staff were all so nice, starting with the ER Doc who went out of his way to assist. Everyone went out of their way to make sure we were taken care of. Dr. Rivera really helped my husband and his numbers changed dramatically positive overnight under his care. Beti was so bubbly and helpful. Hospital stays are not pleasant, but this one was over the top! Thank you for helping my husband recover!!