Hospital continuing plans for expansion
St. Luke’s Hospital officials announced Thursday, Dec. 29 the purchase of a multi-specialty medical office building near downtown Columbus, a six-year-old building that will be the new home for Rosenberg Bone and Joint and provide additional medical office space that will be valuable in the hospital’s efforts to recruit much-needed physicians to serve the area.
“Many people recognize this building for its size and architecture, so we are thrilled that St. Luke’s Hospital was able to reach a purchase agreement,” said Ken Shull, chief executive officer for St. Luke’s Hospital. “We have been in dire need of additional medical office space, and this impressive building will obviously help us in our recruitment efforts.”
Formerly known as Carolina Medical Multicare Center, the building conveniently located on Hwy. 108, was owned and occupied by a local chiropractor and housed several health care providers. St. Luke’s Hospital officials are considering a new name for the building to reflect the services housed there, including plans for a general medical practice and the growing orthopedic practice of Brian Rosenberg, MD.
Rosenberg Bone and Joint, currently serving patients on the hospital campus, will relocate by late Spring 2012 to provide improved efficiency and state-of-the-art patient care with additional patient treatment rooms and updated digital radiology capabilities.
“In the past eight years, Dr. Rosenberg’s practice has grown, such that the current office is now limiting their growth and efficiency,” Shull said. “With a large staff, a physician assistant and a growing patient base for Dr. Rosenberg’s services, we need to make these changes. More and more patients cross county, state and international borders seeking Dr. Rosenberg’s advanced procedures and ‘bedside manner.’”
Advanced orthopedic procedures like direct anterior hip replacement and custom-fit total knee replacements have helped build regional recognition for St. Luke’s. Dr. Rosenberg was the second physician to be trained and certified to perform the custom-fit knee replacements using “ShapeMatch” technology. The seventh “ShapeMatch” surgery ever performed in this country took place in the OR at St. Luke’s Hospital. In addition, the use of an advanced operating table enabling direct access to the hip joint has considerably improved surgery, recovery and rehab for hip patients.
“It’s impressive that our hospital leadership has purchased advanced technology that provides consistent outcomes and a quick recovery for patients suffering from hip and knee problems,” said Dr. Rosenberg. “I appreciate, and I know my patients appreciate, the forward-thinking decisions that have allowed us to better serve patients who seek alternatives to the traditional orthopedic procedures.”
This new medical office space is just another example of the hospital board’s commitment to grow on our strengths, Shull said. The 9,100 square-foot building, located at 89 West Mills St., was purchased for $1.1 million and financed through the local Tryon Federal Bank. Some renovations are necessary to accommodate advanced radiology equipment and reconfigure medical office space.  Renovations and infrastructure for information technology will begin within the month.
“A major focus of the hospital’s strategic plan is to recruit additional medical providers to meet the need in Polk County, but we’ve been limited not only by space, but by suitable space,” said Susan McHugh, who chaired the hospital’s board of trustees during the purchase negotiations. “Physicians eager to open a medical practice need good infrastructure with a comfortable up-to-date look; aesthetics and room for growth are vital in the decision.
“We have a very dedicated and proactive board of trustees who are committed to ensuring that St. Luke’s Hospital is equipped and ready to meet the future health care needs of the communities we serve,” McHugh added.
“We are pleased with the timing of the purchase of the building; it signals the beginning of a long-overdue growth phase for our hospital. St. Luke’s has been financially successful for the second year after many years of losses and challenges, so it’s exciting to have building plans and funding that will enable us to add a new six-bed patient wing and state-of-the-art therapeutic gym,” McHugh said.
The building layout is under design by Ron Boozer of the architectural firm DesignStrategies of Charlotte. Ground breaking for the new $5.6 million wing will be spring of 2012.
Through the “Building on Excellence~2012” capital campaign, the St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation has committed to raise $2 million for the construction; additional funding will come from local lending institutions.
“It’s an exciting new chapter for St. Luke’s Hospital and those we serve,” said McHugh who passed the board leadership to Fred Foy during the December meeting. “I personally am thrilled that St. Luke’s has reached a point where we could make these positive announcements. I’m sure these projects will energize the community as they have our board, administration, staff and physicians.”
Shull stated the hospital administration and staff have all worked hard to move St. Luke’s to profitability and the opportunity to upgrade its facilities and services. “We’re excited to begin to a new phase of building improvements that reflects the level of exceptional care we provide and that our community deserves, close to home,” said Shull.
St. Luke’s Hospital is a not-for-profit, acute care hospital affiliated with Carolinas HealthCare System of Charlotte, NC, and committed to providing exceptional care, close to home.