As the region’s population ages, the need for orthopaedic, neurology and neurosurgical care will increase. Preparing for this need by developing a comprehensive orthopaedic and neurosciences outpatient center will ensure that patients have access to care in the most convenient and cost-effective environment.
Pending approval, the center will be located in the former Ivy Market facility, a retail development at the intersection of Franklin Road and Wonju Street that opened in June, 2007. The 65,000 square-foot building has been vacant for more than four years.
Carilion Clinic will renovate the property into a neuro-musculoskeletal center specializing in neurosciences (neurology, stroke, and neurosurgery), orthopaedics, spine surgery, physical medicine, rehabilitation therapies, diagnostics and pain management. The need for these services is expanding, and additional space is required meet the needs of our patients. These services complement each other, and co-locating them in a single facility will provide opportunities for collaboration among caregivers and convenience for patients.
“This is the next logical step for our patients,” said Nancy Howell Agee, Carilion Clinic President and CEO. “We currently have the largest orthopaedic practice in Virginia and one of the best neuroscience programs you’ll find anywhere. Both are engaged in medical education and research. A combined orthopaedic and neurosciences center will advance the level of quality, patient care and innovation.”
“This is a major commitment to exceptional patient care by consolidating superb services into an easily accessible, patient-friendly setting,” said Gary Simonds, M.D., Section Chief for Neurosurgery. “This will foster deep collaboration in patient care between nationally-recognized Carilion specialties. Collaboration between great services will foster exceptional patient care, expansion of medical and community educational efforts, and new and exciting patient-centered research.”
“As our population ages – the need is going to continue grow. This facility represents, in part, our commitment to meet that need in patient-focused way,” said Joseph Moskal, M.D., Carilion Clinic’s Section Chief for Orthopaedics. “Last year we were privileged to have more than 65,000 outpatient visits just at our Postal Drive and Riverside locations. That averages out to 250 patient visits per business day. And for the past two years, our surgical volume has been 20% greater than any other medical center in the state. All of this, we hope, is validation of our patient-centered, excellence-focused approached to our specialty.”
The location is a cost-effective choice. Purchasing and renovating an existing building will cost much less than new construction. The building has sufficient square-footage for the center’s existing needs as well as space for future expansion.
Converting the Ivy Market property into an outpatient center makes good economic sense for Roanoke. It is a productive re-use of a building that has been vacant for more than 4 years. Carilion will pay property taxes to the City on the building and land. Turning a vacant building into an active, vibrant facility has the potential to trigger additional development of adjacent vacant land, similar to the development activity currently occurring adjacent to Carilion’s Riverside Center.
Renovations are expected to be complete in 16-18 months.
