For Immediate Release
Contact: Jill Fix, marketing and public relations director, Rockwood Clinic, (509) 385-1994

ROCKWOOD CLINIC ANNOUNCES RELOCATION

OF EIGHT DOWNTOWN SPOKANE OFFICE AND CLINICAL SITES

Rockwood centralizes operation as new regional health system evolves

(Spokane, Wash.) JUNE 7, 2010 – The board and management of Rockwood Clinic have finalized plans to relocate six medical office sites and two surgical locations in downtown Spokane. 

The moves began May 14 with the relocation of the Rockwood OB/GYN Center.  During the last two weekends in June, Rockwood’s urology, cardiology, gastroenterology, plastic surgery, endoscopy, general surgery and weight loss surgery locations in downtown will move onto or near the Deaconess Medical Center campus. The relocations are among the first advancements of an integrated healthcare delivery system, developed jointly by Rockwood Clinic, Deaconess Medical Center and Valley Hospital and Medical Center.

“These moves are certainly among the more visible indications of our commitment to creating a new regional health system,” explained Rockwood Clinic Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sweeny, M.D.  “In addition to moving office space, we’re building the infrastructure necessary to make integrated healthcare delivery and evidence-based medicine a reality for patients throughout the region. The distance between old and new locations may be small – but the implication and long-term effect are far-reaching.”

Once completed, the new system will represent the most progressive health system in the Inland Northwest.  It currently encompasses inpatient hospital care; primary care and specialty medicine physician practices; ambulatory surgery centers; urgent care facilities; outpatient physical therapy centers; and outpatient imaging, infusion and radiation therapy services.  Continued expansion of the system is anticipated.

“This is an exciting advancement for Rockwood, Deaconess and Valley Hospital as we move forward with our regional development plans,” said William Gilbert, chief executive officer of Deaconess Medical Center.  “Our hospitals’ clinical directors and operations managers have worked closely with Rockwood physicians and leadership to build capacity and appropriately plan for this phase of our integration. From our nurses and physicians to our administrative staff and volunteers, we welcome the Rockwood team with open arms.”

In preparing for Rockwood physicians and patients, hospital officials renovated and re-equipped four operating suites that formerly housed a day surgery program at Deaconess; the hospital shuttered the suites in 1995 in response to changing physician referral patterns.  In total, more than 25,000 square feet of medical office and surgical space has been renovated to accommodate Rockwood’s relocations, and millions of dollars have been invested in new equipment and technology.

“The management team at Deaconess has made impressive strides over the last 18 months – it’s exciting to see the hospital's renewed energy and enthusiasm,” said Tony Bonanzino, chairman of the Deaconess Medical Center board of directors. “The commitment and vision shared between the hospitals and Rockwood is exceptionally focused and strong.  Everyone associated with our organizations is energized – and everyone in the greater Spokane community stands to benefit. “

For the first few weeks, Rockwood will greet patients at the new locations with refreshments and additional staff will be on hand to assist patients with directions.  Deaconess Medical Center has reconfigured certain parking areas on its campus to accommodate increased traffic.  All Rockwood locations, including the Main Clinic on East 5^th Avenue, will continue normal business hours throughout the moves.  All Rockwood phone numbers remain unchanged.

“Beginning later this month, Rockwood patients who are directly impacted by the relocations will receive detailed information in the mail from their physicians, and all patients will receive a new guide to Rockwood’s downtown and Spokane Valley operations,” said Rockwood Clinic Marketing and Public Relations Director Jill Fix.  “Patients with upcoming appointments will receive reminder calls with detailed driving and parking instructions.  And of course, everyone is encouraged to visit rockwoodclinic.com for complete information about all Rockwood locations and services.”

RELOCATION DETAILS

PARKING INFORMATION

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