Many hospitals today struggle to remain competitive through the adoption of
medical technology or expansion of hospital services. This article present
s a case study of one hospital's attempt to remain viable through the adopt
ion of telemedicine. Through a 17-year analysis of local hospital-related n
ews reports, it is argued that a hospital's relationship to the local commu
nity can affect the success and potential of such innovations. Establishing
a pattern of trust and support between the local community and hospital sh
ould therefore be an important step in increasing hospital viability.