The recently-announced affiliation of Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) with Dignity Health Arizona Division (DHAD) is yet another example of the ever-continuing renovation and expansion of the region’s largest medical facility.
Eighteen projects are underway across the YRMC system, including the construction of a 100,000-square-foot health and wellness center. “When finished in late 2021, the new center will be home to ambulatory medical practices and other essential outpatient services,” said YRMC President and CEO John Amos. “That multi-million-dollar construction project is immediately adjacent to the new multi-level parking structure on the YRMC West campus.”
When new facilities are complete, the estimated worth is about $71 million.
Part of the improvements include a new state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization laboratory that features vein mapping technology at the James Family Heart Center. “We made this investment to give our patients the finest care here at home,” Amos said.
Also opened in the James Family Heart Center is a new cardiovascular intensive care unit.
Affiliation with DHAD will bring together two leading health care systems committed to providing accessible, affordable and innovative health services to the broader community.
Currently, Dignity Health operates six acute-care hospitals in the Phoenix area. Among them are St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center. DHAD offers Level 1 trauma services, lung transplants and robotic surgery and has several clinics, specialty hospitals, urgent cares, insurance providers and other clinical and community partnerships.
Earlier, Amos said of the affiliation that much of the conversation was oriented to expanding the network by building additional specialty clinics in the Quad Cities so that patients did not have to travel out of town for such care.
“Dignity Health’s relationship with Creighton University’s School of Medicine in Phoenix is very attractive,” said Amos. “We believe that young doctors prefer to stay close to the communities where they complete their medical training, and we at YRMC feel we have a lot to offer here in the Quad Cities.”
YRMC is evaluating technology as well as physical structures and care models, said Amos. “Through a collaboration with Dignity Health, we will have access to talent and resources to support our strategies for service growth and development.”
Praising YRMC for its actions in meeting challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Amos said, “I’m proud of the way our medical staff, employees and volunteers met and continue to meet the daily demands presented by the pandemic. We all understand our role in the community. It hasn’t been easy, but our community can be proud to have a healthcare team here in the Quad Cities that is as good – or better – than any team in the country.”
YRMC has resumed elective surgeries that were put on hold during the early months of the pandemic.
Originally incorporated 78 years ago, YRMC is one of the largest employers in the Quad Cities area. Approximately 400 credentialed physicians work the medical center. An additional 2,000 employees fill roles in the various YRMC facilities. It has 25 primary and specialty clinics. With campuses in Prescott and Prescott Valley, it also has a 174-acre property – yet to be developed – north of the Prescott Regional Airport.
Looking ahead, Amos said YRMC priorities will include the continued development of the breast-care program, oncology services, orthopedics and neurosciences. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
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