photo by: LMH Health

Construction continues on a site at Sixth and Maine streets that will house LMH Health’s Therapy Services.

The finish line is in sight for LMH Health’s renovation of its facility at the intersection of Sixth and Maine streets. Once complete, LMH Health Therapy Services, currently located on the second floor of the Main Campus, will relocate to a newly expanded clinic designed with patients in mind. The larger space will make it easier to access care, provide a more comfortable environment, and create room for additional specialty services to grow — helping patients get the care they need, all in one place.

Physical therapy Director Nami Stone said approximately 35 therapists, specializing in areas such as lymphedema, vestibular, pelvic and musculoskeletal care, will move to the expanded clinic space.

“I’m excited to improve access to care and the ability to assess and treat patients with new technology and space,” Stone said.

The project, which is funded in part by the LMH Health Foundation, will be completed in phases. Phase one, targeted for completion in July, includes moving the therapists and equipment into the building. Phase two will open the new space to patients, with an anticipated completion date in October. Changes in the location of treatments will be communicated directly to patients by their care providers.

Once finished, Therapy Services will be on the ground level of the facility, with parking closer to the entrance compared to its current location on the second floor of the Main Campus.

NEW SPACE BRINGS TEAMS TOGETHER, BOOSTS COLLABORATION

The new layout is also designed to allow for better collaboration between providers. For example, the lymphedema team will become neighbors with the Wound Healing Center, making coordinated care more seamless.

Lymphedema is a chronic condition caused by the buildup of lymph fluid when the lymphatic system is damaged or blocked. It is often characterized by swelling that can lead to unusual sensations in limbs and mobility issues. It frequently occurs after surgery or receiving a wound. With lymphedema specialists sharing a door with wound care providers, it will be easier for these teams to streamline their collaborative approach to care and treat patients with the condition.

“The ability to meet patients while they are already onsite for their care with the provider is a huge win for the patient and therapist,” Stone said. “It eliminates the need for an additional trip to the clinic and improves timely communication between the provider and the therapist.”

The location change will also bring new and updated technology and equipment. Stone noted the vestibular team’s excitement for virtual reality and diagnostics tools for balance patients, as well as new motion analysis equipment that will assist in more efficient diagnosis and treatment for all patients.

A LARGER AND UPDATED HEART CENTER WILL TAKE OVER THE CURRENT SPACE

Following the move, the current Therapy Services location at the Main Campus will be renovated to accommodate a new cardiac catheterization (cath) lab. The cath lab plays a critical role in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease.

While the hospital operates one cath lab today, the expansion will add a second lab – anticipated to be operational in the first quarter of 2027 – further increasing capacity to support treatment of cardiovascular disease.

“Adding a second cath lab will bring additional patient-centered technology to Lawrence,” said Dr. Christina Salazar, a cardiologist at the LMH Health Heart Center. “This means greater access to subspecialty care such as electrophysiology and vascular services, and fewer delays or transfers outside our community.”

The addition of a second cath lab is one piece of the expansion and renovation of the LMH Health Heart Center, which will also include a larger, more modern physician clinic. The LMH Health Foundation is leading a $10 million fundraising campaign to support the project, which is expected to be complete in late 2027.

“We live in a growing community, and an aging community where increased demand for heart care is inevitable,” Salazar said. “We need to be prepared not only for an increase in emergency care in the cath lab, but also for our clinic patients who arrive now in greater numbers and with more chronic conditions or concurrent illnesses and diseases.”

• Gabe Carter is a senior at the University of Kansas and an intern with LMH Health Marketing & Communications.