ER Service Ends for Commerce and Quinlan

September 23, 2025 – Hunt Regional Healthcare Announces ER Closures in Commerce and Quinlan Amid Financial Strain.

Hunt Regional Healthcare and the Hunt Memorial Hospital District Board announced on September 23, 2025, a difficult but necessary decision to discontinue emergency room services in Commerce and Quinlan, effective September 30 at 7:00 p.m. The closures come as the hospital system continues to face mounting financial challenges, including rising labor and supply costs, an increase in uninsured patients, and declining reimbursements from insurers and government payers.

As a not-for-profit, independent system, Hunt Regional has long worked to provide high-quality, compassionate care to the community. However, freestanding ERs have proven unsustainable, requiring costly 24-hour physician staffing, specialized equipment, and medications. By discontinuing these services, the system will save more than $15 million annually in direct operating expenses.

Earlier this year, Hunt Regional reduced costs by laying off 43 employees, streamlining vendors, and improving billing and coding efficiencies. Leadership continues to explore partnerships and evaluate operations, including options in Royse City, to ensure long-term sustainability.

Patients in Commerce and Quinlan will still have access to care through Hunt Regional’s urgent care clinics—open seven days a week for minor illnesses and injuries. Additionally, a new urgent care location in Quinlan is planned. Hunt County EMS will continue transporting trauma and 9-1-1 patients to Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville or other facilities as appropriate.

The decision underscores the financial pressures facing rural and rural-adjacent health systems while prioritizing the preservation of core hospital services for Hunt County.