Effingham Medical Partners, led by Dr. Joseph Ratchford and Dr. Prakash Patel, recently celebrated the grand opening of their new, expanded medical office at 1571 Ga. Hwy 21 South in Effingham. The new facility marks a significant upgrade for both patients and staff, offering a more comfortable and efficient healthcare experience.
A Spacious and Modern Healthcare Environment
The new Effingham Medical Partners office boasts over 8,000 square feet, more than double the size of their previous location on the Effingham Health System campus. This expansion provides ample space for a range of services and amenities, including:
- Spacious Waiting Room: Patients can relax in a comfortable waiting area equipped with a large television.
- Numerous Examination Rooms: With 17 examination rooms, the practice can accommodate a larger patient volume and reduce wait times.
- Dedicated Treatment Areas: Two dedicated treatment areas allow for efficient and specialized care.
- On-Site Laboratory: An on-site laboratory facilitates timely diagnostic testing and results.
- Accessible Restrooms: Large, handicapped-accessible restrooms ensure convenience and comfort for all patients.
The modern design, featuring carefully chosen wall colors, flooring, and lighting, creates a welcoming and calming atmosphere. The layout is designed for optimal workflow, allowing staff to provide efficient and attentive care.
Enhanced Patient and Staff Experience
The larger space and improved facilities significantly enhance the experience for both patients and staff. Patients benefit from reduced wait times, increased comfort, and improved accessibility. Staff members appreciate the increased efficiency, reduced crowding, and the ability to provide better care. “The staff is much happier,” noted Dr. Ratchford. “They are not running over each other and they can spread out a little bit, and take care of folks.”
The transition to the new office was swift, with only a weekend closure between the old and new locations. The practice leveraged electronic medical records, simplifying the move and eliminating the need to transport physical files. While moving equipment presented some logistical challenges, the team successfully transferred and organized their resources.
Built for the Future
The new Effingham Medical Partners facility is designed for future growth. The building’s structure allows for the addition of more examination rooms as needed, ensuring the practice can continue to serve the community’s evolving healthcare needs. This forward-thinking approach underscores Effingham Medical Partner’s commitment to providing high-quality care for years to come. “If we ever need to add exam rooms, we are prepared for that,” said Practice Manager Julie Salter. “This building is built to handle it.”
A Community Celebration
The grand opening event was not only a celebration of the new building but also an opportunity to thank the community for their unwavering support. The practice acknowledged the patients who advocated for them during a lease dispute with the Effingham Hospital Authority in 2017 and 2018. Their advocacy played a crucial role in securing a lease extension that allowed for the timely construction of the new facility. “We wanted people to be able to come see the new building and also thank those who supported us during all of that,” Salter explained. “They helped us do things right the first time.”
