| |
AAMC Health Services – Kent Island Opens
Facility to Answer the Healthcare Needs of Eastern Shore Residents
Annapolis, Md. (June 14, 2008) – To meet the growing health care needs of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) has opened its new, 55,000-square-foot ambulatory care facility, AAMC Health Services – Kent Island. Featuring a walk-in, after hours urgent care center, a full-service diagnostic radiology center, lab services and both specialty and primary care physicians, AAMC Health Services – Kent Island provides services requested directly by Eastern Shore residents.
“When we broke ground for this facility last year, it was truly exciting,” said Martin L. Doordan, president and C.E.O. of Anne Arundel Health System. “But the real excitement is in adding additional health care services to the many AAMC medical staff already serving residents of the Eastern Shore. AAMC listened carefully to the needs of Shore residents and we’re proud to answer them.”
In the planning phases for the new Kent Island ambulatory care facility, AAMC held community focus groups and conducted qualitative and quantitative research to learn from Eastern Shore residents about medical services they would want to see featured in a new facility. During the studies, attention was called to the need for a number of specialists. Those services, as well as numerous others, all are housed in the new facility.
Another direct result of AAMC’s research into Eastern Shore needs is an urgent care facility and primary care services stemming from an affiliation with Johns Hopkins Community Physicians. The center will provide after-hours, walk-in urgent care for patients not suffering from life-threatening conditions and suffering from non-emergency ailments.
“For years, Shore residents have travelled to Annapolis for their health care,” said Steve Clarke, AAMC’s vice president of business development. “Our new facility brings physicians and medical services to those residents, enhancing access to health care for a number of patients. For physicians practicing in the new building, AAMC is providing an opportunity to directly care for patients in an area that, historically, has suffered from a shortage of health care services.”
In January 2008, the Maryland Hospital Association (MHA) released the findings from a study conducted by MedChi (The Maryland State Medical Society), outlining a physician shortage on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
“AAMC Health Services – Kent Island will address the needs of our patients on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and provide the healthcare services that this growing community truly needs,” said Mr. Clarke.
To celebrate the opening of the AAMC Health Services – Kent Island, AAMC will hold a community event in conjunction with the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department (KIVFD) on Saturday, June 14, 2008 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Guests may tour the new facility and meet the physicians and office staff. There will be face painting and activities and games for children and adult visitors can take advantage of health seminars on a variety of topics.
Originally, the KIVFD owned the four-acre lot on which AAMC Health Services – Kent Island now sits. Located at 1630 Main Street in Chester, Md., on the north side of Route 50 at the Route 18 overpass, AAMC Health Services and the KIVFD share a parking lot, and the KIVFD has been instrumental in the planning phases of the new medical facility.
“AAMC’s relationship with the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department is symbolic of our overall mission on the Eastern Shore,” said Mr. Doordan. “We want to work with our Shore neighbors and supply the services they’ve asked for. We’re excited for this opportunity to meet their needs.”
For more information on AAMC Health Services – Kent Island, visit www.aamcontheshore.com or call askAAMC at (443) 481 – 4000.
|
