Designed for improved care and greater access for patients, Cobleskill Primary Care opened a new medical building in Cobleskill last Tuesday.
The Cobleskill office of the Bassett Healthcare Network moved from its cramped quarters on Legion Drive to a spacious new facility next to Cobleskill Regional Hospital, where Eden Park used to stand.
A ribbon-cutting and speeches marked the event, with about 300 people from around the area attending.
"The size and design of the new medical building in Cobleskill will allow us to better serve our existing patients and, just as importantly, open up primary care access to more families," said the health center's medical director, Dr. Joseph Sellers.
He said the former Legion Drive office opened in the mid 1960s. Growing demand dictated the construction of the 20,000-square-foot facility, Dr. Sellers said.
In contrast to the small former office, the new health center has two large waiting rooms, 42 exam rooms, four nurse's stations, two labs, 17 provider offices and a conference room.
"There's so much space here," marveled manager Brenda Ferraro-Hanson, who's been with the practice for 44 years.
She started at the Legion Drive office in 1970, working with Drs. Jacobus Vrolijk and Peter Garner.
"We had to use every nook and cranny for work space," Ms. Ferraro-Hanson said, recalling those years. "It's bittersweet, but coming here is pretty nice."
The new center is divided into four pods, with each having its own physician and support staff. A patient will return for each visit to the pod where his or her doctor practices.
Dr. Sellers said the team approach not only encourages familiarity but also reflects a small-office setting in a larger facility.
"Patients like a small setting," he said. "We're trying to re-create that, so each team knows their patients. We want to be high tech, yet high touch."
The center has 13 providers, including doctors, physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Bassett is hoping to recruit more, though the timing is uncertain.
Pointing to Tuesday's large turnout, Bassett President and CEO stressed the strong link between the health center and the community.
"Our Cobleskill primary care practice has been an anchor for health care in this region and is committed to this community and the hospital," he said.
"And, when Bassett has the privilege of working in a community like Cobleskill, it is a broadening experience. I thank the Cobleskill community for making Bassett better."
Dr. Sellers agreed, adding that the practice has long been an integral part of the community.
"We not only work here, we live here and have become part of the fabric of Cobleskill," he said.
"We care deeply about our patients and their families, which is why we are excited to be able to offer a sophisticated new facility built with the patient experience at its center."
Bassett also has smaller health centers in Schoharie, Delanson, Sharon Springs and Middleburgh, where there is also a school-based center.
Staff from all the centers, including Cobleskill, will rotate evening and Saturday shifts to cover patient care.