Building on a successful orthopedics program, St. Luke&squo;s Hospital is moving ahead with strategic plans that will help the hospital increase the numbers of people who choose St. Luke&squo;s and Brian Rosenberg, MD, for their orthopedic care.

The board of trustees received an update during a recent planning meeting as efforts are moving forward to expand current capabilities.

St. Luke&squo;s interim chief executive officer Alexander Bell reported that renovations to Dr. Rosenberg&squo;s medical office should be completed by the end of the month. A hallway connecting two offices in the physicians medical park on the hospital campus will expand Rosenberg Bone and Joint to provide additional patient rooms and much needed office space for the busy orthopedic practice.

In addition, efforts to recruit a physician&squo;s assistant (PA) have been successful and the PA will be available to keep patient traffic flowing smoothly in both the office and in the operating room. Initially here on a part-time basis, the Asheville-based PA is undergoing the credentialing process and should be on board by July 1.

Loretta Pack, RN, recently joined the hospital to serve as patient advocate for orthopedic patients.

By enhancing orthopedics in particular and surgical services in general, St. Luke&squo;s Hospital anticipates continued growth and additional revenue to help support all patient care services.