BELPRE - The Marietta Memorial Health System celebrated the opening of its Belpre Medical Campus on Sunday with tours, give-aways and a meet-and-greet with physicians and staff.
The open house drew a large crowd, with more than 100 members of the community in attendance.
"We couldn't be happier with the turnout," said Scott Cantley, president and CEO of Memorial Health System.
Article Photos
Belpre Mayor Mike Lorentz, center, cuts the ribbon of the Belpre Medical Campus, with, from left, Junior Miss Belpre Brylee Weekley, David McClure with the Belpre Chamber of Commerce and Dr. M.K. Shah standing by. (Photo by Natalee Seely)
While the opening of the facility was delayed several months because of construction and weather issues, patients have been phased in since January. The offices are now filled, with more than 30 primary and specialty care physicians practicing at the Belpre Campus.
"We are so pleased with the end result," said Cantley.
The 50,000-square foot facility, located on Farson Street at the Health Bridge Medical Park, contains an expansion of the Strecker Cancer Center, an urgent care facility with extended hours, and outpatient diagnostic services, including MRI, ultrasound, mammography and CT scans.
The second floor contains physicians offices and Java City, a cafe serving beverages, lunch items and baked goods.
Jennifer Offenberger, director of marketing and public relations for Memorial Health System, said the $12 million facility is part of the health system's strategy to expand patient care. With more than 400 new patients each year, the expansion of the Strecker Cancer Center was a priority.
The cancer center features six exam rooms and 12 chemotherapy bays, each with a television and large window, producing plenty of natural light.
"We believe the environment is just as important as the care the patients receive," said Offenberger.
The Physicians Care Express is for patients who need care but cannot get in to see their doctor, or for those with no primary physician. Open from 7 a.m.-11 p.m., the center is staffed with a physician and nurses, and features six exam rooms with full-stabilization capabilities.
"It's open 16 hours a day, every day," said Offenberger.
Primary care physicians, including internal medicine and pediatrics, as well as specialists in cardiology, vascular services, pulmonary, surgery, thoracic, endocrinology and OB/GYN also hold offices at the new building.
The open house Sunday was attended by many physicians and community members, as well as Belpre Mayor Mike Lorentz and other city officials. Before and after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, visitors took part in tours led by staff members and enjoyed refreshments at Java City.
Groundbreaking at the site was in November 2010. The project is a partnership between the Memorial Health System and the PM Co., which purchased the land in the western area of Belpre.
