The center’s Care Now (urgent care/walk-in services for bumps, bruises and non-emergent illness), x-ray and occupational medicine components are scheduled to begin welcoming patients on Oct. 24.
The 21,000 square feet, single-story structure, which represents Geisinger St. Luke’s entry into the Pottsville market and has undergone extensive renovations, previously housed the McCann School of Business and Technology.
“On behalf of the board, management, physicians and staff of GSL, we are honored and pleased to be able to provide Pottsville residents access to the high-quality, award-winning care for which our organization is well known,” said Gabe Kamarousky, MBA, FACHE, president of Geisinger St. Luke’s Campus. “As an extension of our hospital, patients can expect to receive exceptional treatment and outstanding customer service at this facility,” he continued.
A ribbon cutting will be held on October 26 to officially inaugurate the Health Center, followed by guided tours of the facility.
Since opening in 2019, GSL’s list of quality achievements, certifications and accreditations has been impressive: Primary Stroke Center, Trauma Center, Chest Pain Center, Leapfrog Safety Rating of A, Leapfrog Top 50 Safest Hospital and Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence award.
Physician assistant, Christine Bruce, PA-C, who has been providing patient care in the new Pottsville Primary Care suite at the facility since August 15, explains that persons and families who have a primary care provider often stay healthier throughout their lives.
“Their access to preventive care, routine care, and care for acute and chronic health conditions and having a trusting relationship with their primary care provider are essential to maintaining health and wellbeing,” she says. Bruce has been providing health care for 39 years, starting in Pottsville, and now has returned to the community in which she began her clinical practice. She earned her doctorate in medical science and previously was on faculty at Harvard and Penn State College of Medicine.
An additional provider, Michaela Ortiz, DO, a graduate of the St. Luke’s University Health Network, will be coming on board in the coming months to join Bruce in Pottsville Primary Care.
At the new physical therapy location, the teams at St. Luke’s Physical Therapy will design and implement individual, patient-centered care plans to help patients improve mobility and performance following illness, injury or due to a chronic condition. A separate, side entrance to the Center provides easy access to the PT suite.
The Occupational Medicine specialists will treat Workers’ Compensation injuries and workplace- acquired illnesses and perform physical examinations and screenings.
"This Health Center is further affirmation of the resources and commitment of our joint venture, Geisinger St. Luke's to providing the region with expanded choice for convenient options for a range of medical conditions and opportunities to stay healthy,” added Kamarousky.
“We are thankful to this community and its leaders for welcoming us to this convenient location, which will make it even easier for busy families in the area to stay healthy and is just a short drive away from the area’s most modern and growing inpatient facility.”
Geisinger St. Luke’s Health Center Pottsville is easily recognizable by its external, brown stone and distinct organizational logos and signage. Its attractive lobby and waiting area, state-of-the-art technology and plenty of parking enhance the facility’s comfort and convenience.
“We truly enjoyed redeveloping this previously vacant building in partnership with Miller Brothers Construction and countless other local vendors,” Kamarousky said.