By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald
Effingham Health System opened a new 5,100-square-foot pediatric center May 8 at 520 W. Third St., Springfield, at the corner of Hwy. 21. The building was formerly the home of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce.
Many of Effingham County’s officials and government representatives were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the grand opening.
“It's wonderful to see because we are so lucky to have a community hospital. And we really made it through the rough times,” said Effingham County Manager Tim Callanan. “We made it through via partnerships with the community (and) with the county. It's really going to pay huge dividends for us in the future.”
The building features a large lobby/waiting area, and former chamber of commerce offices are now roomy examination rooms.
“I don't know if you've seen this building, but I was familiar with it,” Callanan continued. “It always seemed to be kind of an awkward building for a Chamber of Commerce and our IDA (Industrial Development Authority) headquarters, until I walked through it today. Then I realized that it was really built to be a pediatric medical center. The IDA and the chamber of commerce were just temporary occupants. Perfect.”
Dr. Fran Witt, president and CEO of Effingham Health System, highlighted not only the growth that is coming to the county, but the growth the local hospital has already seen.
“Since 2018 we have experienced a 425% increase in pediatric visits,” Witt said.
Witt added Effingham Health will now be able to expand its pediatric services from seeing 32 patients a day to 56; and the new facility has seven exam rooms, compared to their current facility which has four.
“Today is just the beginning,” Witt continued. “As we gather here to cut the ribbon on this beautiful space dedicated and designed to promote and foster healthy children, our journey positions Effingham Pediatrics to be a leader in the delivery of health care for the children in our community.”
District 3 County Commissioner Jamie DeLoach echoed Dr. Witt’s sentiment about the pediatric center being “just the beginning.” DeLoach is also vice chairman of the Effingham Health Foundation Board, which is the fundraising arm of Effingham Health System.
“Three of our main pillars that we focus on is raising money and awareness for the pediatric facility that you see behind me now; also quality senior citizen care, and expanding our cancer care facility,” DeLoach said. “I want to take a moment to thank the employees of Effingham Health System and donating to the pediatric center through the Giving Hearts Club, which is the employee campaign.” DeLoach added that two items the Giving Hearts Club is currently raising funds for include a pediatric vision screener and an infant scale.
Dr. Bailey Alford heads up the team at Effingham Pediatrics, and expressed excitement at continuing and expanding her practice in Effingham County. She was the first pediatrician to join Effingham Health in 2017. Now there are four pediatric staff members with the health system.
“I grew up in this community. My husband and I are raising our children in this community. So I knew that after my pediatric training, I wanted to come back and practice medicine here,” Dr. Alford told the crowd. When she met with Dr. Witt in 2017, she knew they had a common vision and goals for Effingham Health.
“I could tell really quickly that her vision and my goals were aligned and together we were going to be able to improve the access to pediatric health care in this county,” Dr. Alford said. “We're all mothers ourselves. So we know how important it is to have ready access to quality health care close to home.”
Georgia’s Speaker of the House, Rep. Jon Burns, concurred with Dr. Witt’s comments.
“The more we look at health care policy around the state, the more evident it is that health care at a young age greatly improves the chances of a healthy future for our citizens,” Rep. Burns said.
“That's why it's so important that we ensure that our children receive the highest level of health care possible. And this facility will help Dr. Alford and her team to do just that. It will benefit our entire community,” Rep. Burns added.
Joining Dr. Alford on the staff at the new pediatric center are: Jana Marks, certified nurse practitioner; Jessica Pimentel, family nurse practitioner; and Brittany Ford, certified pediatric nurse practitioner.
