Northcrest Medical Center Partners with Health Department to Expand Primary Care in Robertson County

 Springfield, June 26, 2006

Commissioner Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., officials from the Robertson County Health Department and NorthCrest Medical Center, as well as local government officials and legislators gathered this morning for the dedication of a new building donated by the Medical Center to allow for the expansion of primary care at the Health Department in Springfield. The new site at 900 South Brown Street will house WIC nutrition services, allowing vacated space at the main Health Department location at 800 South Brown Street to be used for primary care services. “Like Cover Tennessee, this innovative partnership will improve access to primary care for people who have no insurance,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “I am heartened by the work of NorthCrest Medical Center and the Robertson County Health Department to better serve their community.”

Earlier this month, Governor Bredesen signed Cover Tennessee into law, which among other improvements will expand access to primary care for the working uninsured.

“We believe that partnerships between the private health care providers such as NorthCrest with public organizations such as the Robertson County Health Department are a logical and cost effective manner to begin addressing the issues that the thousands of uninsured in Robertson County face daily,” stated Scott Raynes, president and chief executive officer at NorthCrest Medical Center.

Fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, NorthCrest Medical Center is 109-bed, not-for-profit facility located at NorthCrest Drive in Springfield, Tennessee, 30 miles north of Nashville. NorthCrest, which began operations in 1956 under the name of Jesse Holman Jones Hospital, serves Robertson and surrounding counties as well as southern Kentucky.

“This collaboration is a fine example how the private sector and government agencies can come together to benefit the health of the residents of a community,” said Commissioner Robinson. “I applaud the initiative and ingenuity that will ultimately improve access to primary care for uninsured adults in the local area.”

“There are so many people in need in the local area. Being able to provide this care enables us to help maintain a healthier community,” said Robertson County Health Department Director Vanessa Watkins.

As part of the Governor’s effort to expand the health care safety net across the state, patients without health insurance in Tennessee have access to health care services through various clinics, including primary care clinics in various local health departments. The Robertson County Health Department began providing primary care services in January of this year. Current full-time staff includes one physician and two nurse practitioners.

The Robertson County Health Department will now operate two area facilities. WIC services will be provided at the clinic at 900 South Brown Street. All other health department services, including primary care, will be offered at 800 South Brown Street. The hours for both clinics are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individuals wishing to make an appointment are asked to contact the Health Department at (615) 384-0208.

Note: Photos from event are available.