Finding Solutions: Wellstar MCG continues to expand care here
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - It’s been more than a year since Augusta University Health System was brought under the Wellstar umbrella.
In this time, Wellstar MCG Health says they have improved access to care, hired new physicians, increased pay, invested in equipment upgrades and renovatons to the facility.
They tell us they’re continuing to find solutions in meeting healthcare needs here locally.
It’s a partnership that was formed in August of last year.
“It gives us an opportunity to help grow the healthcare professions and give them more opportunities to gain access to care for people across the state,” said Ralph Turner, Wellstar MCG Health president.
Finding Solutions: Salvation Army programs help families during holidays
The Salvation Army in both Augusta and Aiken kicked off the holiday season with the Angel Tree Program and Red Kettle Campaign on Wednesday.
Turner says they have expanded care through the mobile “on the go primary care” van which goes out to underserved communities as well as opened three new Wellstar urgent care locations.
“It’s about increasing our ability to open up more access with more physicians, more locations and we are constantly looking for more ways to expand our footprint,” said Turner.
That footprint is continuing to grow with the Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center which is still on track to open in 2026.
“If that makes other healthcare facilities in the area expand their access as well, then that’s just more access to care for all people across the CSRA and that’s what it’s all about,” he said.
Wellstar has funded more than $82 million in improvements, including the first major remodeling of the Children’s Hospital of Georgia since it opened in 1998.
Zayna: “What’s it like having that hidden gem as I call it in our area?”
Turner: “It takes my heart when I go over and see the children that we are caring for and to know that we have the professionals here to take care of that level of pediatric infancy is amazing.”
Finding Solutions: Tiny home project hopes to give foster kids aging out of the system a chance
On Monday, an old community center was demolished on the property where 25 tiny homes are designed to go.
The Children’s Hospital of Georgia lobby should be completed next summer alongside the Kisner Behavioral Health Center.
Turner says he’s grateful for all of the the children’s hospital has received thus far.
“Everybody understands the importance of taking care of our future and if we don’t take care of our children then we are losing our future, so it’s a beacon for caring and people always drive here to make sure that we take care of our children’s hospital,” he said.
It’s Giving Tuesday, and Turner tells us he encourages people to make a charitable donation to any group of their choosing, especially after Helene devasted our area.
As for the children’s hospital, you’ll be able to them this Thursday through Saturday during the 24th annual iHeart Media Cares for Kids Radiothon.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
