New facility will expand access to health care for patients anywhere
ST. LOUIS (Sept. 16, 2014) – Mercy just “topped out” the world’s first virtual care/telemedicine center, hoisting the building’s final beam into place. Sister of Mercy Claudia Ward also blessed the beam before it made its ascent. (Photos and video available here.)
“The topping out means we are even closer to bringing high quality medical care to thousands of patients regardless of the hour or location,” said Dr. Randy Moore, president of Mercy Virtual. “Time of day, distance and geography will no longer be obstacles in connecting patients and expert care teams. People who are far from advanced health care facilities often wait until an issue becomes critical before they seek care. With Mercy Virtual Care, they won’t have to wait.”
The 120,000-square-foot facility, which broke ground in May, is expected to open mid 2015. It will serve as Mercy’s hub for telehealth professionals to reach more patients regardless of age, illness or location.
Mercy Virtual will accommodate nearly 300 physicians, nurses, specialists, researchers and support staff. Care will be delivered 24/7 via audio, video and data connections to locations across Mercy and around the world through partnerships with other health care providers and large employers. Mercy estimates the center will manage more than 3 million telehealth visits in the first five years. The center also will be a hub for advancing telemedicine through research and training.
The building, located at 15740 South Outer Forty Road in Chesterfield, Missouri, sits at the southeast corner of Interstate 64 and Clarkson Road. Along with the final beam, an evergreen tree and an American flag, were hoisted to the top of the new building, following a tradition that has its beginnings in Scandinavia. The “topping out” with a tree symbolizes bringing life to a structure as it reaches its maximum height. Some 40 Clayco construction workers and subcontractors, along with Mercy telemedicine leaders, joined in the celebration.
Click here to see HEC-TV’s full story on Mercy’s new virtual care center.
