LMH CEO Johnson: New west campus is a big milestone

photo by: John Young

Lawrence Memorial Hospital CEO Russell Johnson is pictured on Aug. 4, 2016.

LMH Health is excited about the opening of our West Campus, a facility that will dramatically enhance our organization’s overall capacity to care for the health needs of families across the region for many years in the future. The LMH Health West Campus is a regional destination for world-class health care across many outpatient services. With exceptional technology, innovative design and outstanding providers, it is a major investment in our community’s health and a key milestone in the LMH Health strategy for a healthy future in Douglas County called Destination Health.

The West Campus reflects four strategic elements of Destination Health: a patient-first, convenient and accessible setting; a collaborative and integrated health care approach; the latest technology and innovation; and a focus on partnerships with community organizations. Along with many project partners and donors, I am honored to introduce this incredible facility to our community on Monday.

The idea of a patient-first, accessible environment is central to the design of the West Campus. For example, the new women’s center features all services a patient might need in one location. The center has 3D mammography and ultrasound equipment, and a breast nurse-navigator, breast surgeon, plastic surgeons and OB-GYNs will be available on site and able to work collaboratively. It will enable patients to have a screening mammography with diagnostic follow-up, consultation with a surgeon and even a breast biopsy in one day when preferred. That can cut down on waiting, worry and anxiety while improving information for patients and providers.

Among our state-of-the-art technology at the West Campus, the orthopedic center has surgical capabilities, robotic X-rays and a full outpatient therapy area — all immediately adjacent for patient convenience and provider efficiency and communication. The West Campus also offers dynamic exercise equipment, a sports performance area and a therapy amphitheater, which is accessible along the Lawrence Loop and available for free public use. Other innovations at the West Campus include self-scheduling, virtual waiting rooms, contactless payment and other technology-enabled conveniences.

The West Campus enhances LMH Health’s presence in the high-traffic, high-growth corridor in west Lawrence which also strengthens our competitive market position. It is a strategic investment that protects our outpatient service lines enabling us to provide charitable care for generations to come. This is the foundation of our 100-year-old charitable trust and our purpose — a partner for lifelong health. Part of that purpose is to collaborate with community organizations like Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, DCCCA and Heartland RADAC to care for patients going through a mental health or substance abuse crisis — and to partner with Just Food to make sure our patients have food to eat after leaving our campus.

A re-envisioned patient experience in Douglas County is the goal of the West Campus. Our vision for LMH Health in 2027 is one of a nationally recognized, top-performing independent community hospital. We aspire to be the state’s premier community hospital and a model for the country. All the planning, designing, and work of these efforts is aimed at serving members of our community with compassion and expertise wherever they need us — at the new West Campus and south clinic, our Maine Street campus and more than 10 other locations across Douglas County and beyond.

— Russ Johnson is the president and CEO of LMH Health, which is a major sponsor of the Lawrence Journal-World’s health section.


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