presbyterian healthcare to expand clinic outlets

In a move to provide more healthcare options and services across the city, Presbyterian Healthcare Services has announced plans to build four new emergency room facilities in various locations across Albuquerque.

The largest not-for-profit health care system in New Mexico, Presbyterian currently has up and running eight hospitals statewide, and last year reported revenues in excess of $3.1 billion.

One of the reasons for building the new medical facilities is to take pressure off of the main 453-bed Presbyterian hospital at 1100 Central Avenue SE.

In a statement, Presbyterian Medical Director Darren Schaefer said the new clinics will go a long way towards making it easier for patients who frequently confront long wait times at the main hospital.

With plans set for the opening of the first facility this summer at the intersection of San Pedro and Paseo Del Norte, the other clinics are expected to go up in the South Valley, the Uptown area, and at the Western Trails NW and Coors Boulevard.

The building of the four new facilities is only the latest evidence of Presbyterian’s continually growing presence in both metro Albuquerque as well as across the state.

Late last fall, Presbyterian announced it was opening a new community health resource center on the campus of its Kaseman Hospital at 8300 Constitution Avenue NE.

That project includes the renovation of an existing nearly 5,000 square foot structure, designed to house a teaching kitchen and meeting space, with an adjacent community garden.

By Garry Boulard

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