Pender Community Hospital Announces Affiliation with Bryan Health
Pender, Neb. (June 9, 2025) – Pender Community Hospital (PCH) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has voted to move forward with an affiliation agreement with Lincoln-based Bryan Health.
This exciting new partnership represents a strong step forward for PCH, reinforcing its mission to provide exceptional healthcare close to home. Bryan Health brings more than a century of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to rural healthcare in Nebraska. Their focus on innovation, access, and quality aligns closely with PCH’s values and vision for the future.
Patients can expect the same trusted care they’ve always received. There will be no changes to services or referral relationships. Patient-centered care will remain the guiding principle behind every decision made.
“This affiliation allows Pender Community Hospital to remain firmly in control of our decisions while gaining the strength of a respected partner,” said Laura Gamble, CEO of PCH. “We believe this collaboration will bring meaningful benefits to our patients, staff, and community. The care our patients know and trust will stay the same—with even more resources and support to make it stronger.”
Through the affiliation, PCH will gain access to enhanced operational support, leadership guidance, and expanded training and development opportunities for clinical and support staff. Bryan Health also brings expertise in navigating the financial complexities of today’s healthcare environment, offering strategic insight that will help ensure PCH’s long-term sustainability and success.
“Rural areas of our Midwest and state face unique healthcare challenges that require dedication, partnerships, and creativity,” said Pat Ganyo, Bryan Health System Vice President and Executive Director of the Heartland Health Alliance. “Through our decades of providing care and outreach throughout all corners of Nebraska, Bryan Health understands that one size does not fit all and each community or region has its own unique challenges and opportunities. We are honored Pender Community Hospital selected and trusts Bryan Health to assist in providing operational support, outreach and serving their patients in Northeast Nebraska.”
The PCH Board of Directors and leadership team have approached this decision with great care and thoughtful consideration. The affiliation is a proactive step to strengthen healthcare in the region and ensure that the people of northeast Nebraska continue to receive the highest level of care, both now and for generations to come.
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About Pender Community Hospital District
Pender Community Hospital (PCH) has been providing quality healthcare in northeast Nebraska since 1913. The 21-bed critical access hospital (CAH) is recognized with a 5-Star Rating from the National Rural Rating System (NRRS). PCH comprises not only the hospital but four rural health clinics and three pharmacies, as well as Prairie Breeze Assisted Living and Little Sprouts Child Development Center. For more information, visit pchne.org.
About Bryan Health
Bryan Health is a Nebraska owned and governed non-profit health system serving the state of Nebraska and surrounding states for 100 years with a singular focus on collaboration with providers, communities, and educators to meet the healthcare needs of today and tomorrow. It consists of Bryan Medical Center with two locations in Lincoln, April Sampson Cancer Center, Kearney Regional Medical Center, Grand Island Regional Medical Center, Crete Area Medical Center, Merrick Medical Center, Bryan Heart, Bryan Physician Network, Bryan Foundation, Bryan Health Connect, Bryan Telemedicine, Bryan College of Health Sciences and Bryan Enterprises.