An architectural rendering for the New Lincoln County Medical Center Physician’s Office Building was unveiled during Thursday’s county commission meeting.
Eugene Heathman/Ruidoso Free Press The LCMC Ladies Auxiliary club, known as the ‘Pink Ladies’ present a check for $200,000 to Lincoln County commissioners which covers most of the architectural fees for the new physician’s office building at LCMC.
The physician’s office building represents the first phase of a multi-phased hospital master plan approved by Lincoln County Commissioners in September 2009. The physician’s office building is approximately 22,600 square feet and will house primary and specialty care clinics with the convenience of a centralized location and onsite laboratory draw stations. Officials from the Medical center hope to break ground on the project as early as this fall.
“This is an exciting project for Lincoln County, the hospital and Presbyterian,” said Al Santos, Lincoln County Medical Center Administrator. “The hospital Auxiliary and Foundation, in addition to Lincoln County and Presbyterian, have helped make this project a reality.”
“We’re committed to improving the health of those we serve and feel this project helps us in achieving this purpose,” added Santos.
With a new Physician’s Office Building in the final stages of planning, Santos hopes to attract new Primary Care physicians to Lincoln County. The building will be located south of LCMC. Using an architect who has previously designed hospitals gives Santos and those on the hospital board a sense of security. Santos hopes the new POB will attract quality physicians who will want to call Ruidoso home.
“The proposed physician’s office building will help improve the health of Lincoln County residents by increasing access to both primary and specialty healthcare services.” LCMC Public Relations Director Brad Treptow said.
Several programs are part of the plan to make healthcare more accessible and affordable to Lincoln County residents. The Affordable Healthcare Act’s proposed changes may modify certain LCMC procedures, but Santos says the hospital is up for the challenge. “Recently, we’ve added a team of orthopedic doctors to our team, and are working on more opportunities to bring specialties to the citizens of Lincoln County.”
Because Lincoln County is driven by tourist dollars, management and medical care must be tailored to fit the need, according to Santos. The POB, along with additions and modifications to the existing hospital will showcase a streamlined method of care for all hospital patients.
“This project marks the continued reinvestment in community healthcare by the County of Lincoln and Presbyterian Healthcare Services,” Treptow said
Preventive healthcare is another focal point at LCMC. Lincoln County Community Assistance Program provides a place for initial assessment and care for mental and emotional health issues. LCCAP is provided free of charge. Santos hopes to branch out with the intent of offering multiple opportunities for citizens to receive stellar care prior to the need to visit the Emergency Room, which currently sees more than 12,000 patients annually.
“The modern facility will include ample space for patients and providers while supplying the convenience of a central location and laboratory draw stations with sufficient parking,” Treptow said
Lincoln County Medical Center is a county-owned facility leased by Presbyterian Healthcare Services. This partnership has existed since 1972 and is dedicated to improving the health of individuals, families and communities. Lincoln County Medical Center and Presbyterian Healthcare Services operate a hospital, six clinics and a countywide ambulance service. Lincoln County Medical Center employs more than 250 people, including more than 15 providers throughout Lincoln County.