Grayson, KCU get peek at new medical facility

By SARAH LYNCH - The Independent

GRAYSON June 07, 2007 11:52 pm

— From his window at Kentucky Christian University, Dr. Keith Keeran watched one group move in as one group move out in.
The construction of the new King’s Daughters Medical Specialties was a smooth operation, said Keeran, president of the university.
“I’ve never seen anything orchestrated quite as well,” he said. “When it got started, the construction took about nine months, which is perfect time to give birth to something of this grandeur.”
Keeran joined many dignitaries, members of the community and hospital representatives — including president and CEO Fred Jackson — in Grayson for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
King’s Daughters’ Grayson Family Care Center was relocated to this $5 million facility, which is three times bigger than the former site. The 18,000-square-foot, two-story building is hard to miss with its modern design. And it’s located on Carol Malone Boulevard, right on KCU’s campus, which makes finding it even easier.
The university will be utilizing the second floor of the new facility for its nursing program. Keeran said this is the first collaborative project for the university.
“Kentucky Christian University was opened in 1919. Eighty-eight years we’ve been in Grayson and this is probably one of the most exciting days in the institution’s history,” he said.
Located on the first floor is the Family Care Center and family physician Bahwan Yamraj, M.D., and a Medical Specialty Clinic, which will be the Grayson office of several physician practices, including Cumberland Cardiology and SV Cardiology can be found on the first floor of the facility. Both cardiology offices practice at KDMC’s Heart and Vascular Center. Other medical specialties also will be available through the Medical Specialty Clinic.
Dr. Shri Velury, a cardiologist, said the new facility provides convenience to those who might disregard their health because of high gas prices, along with the intimidation of driving to a bigger city and trying to figure out where to go, he said.
“These are exciting times,” Velury said. “Patients used to have no choice. That has changed and we now have world-class caregivers right here close to home. I can promise you quality care.”
Grayson’s mayor, George Steele, said the new facility is a blessing for area residents.
“It’s truly a big day for the small city with a big heart,” Steele said. “This building is a statement of continued efforts to make this a top-quality city.”
Discussion for the facility began in 2003, said Judge-Executive Charles Wallace.
“I started talking to Fred Jackson about the need here for something like this,” Wallace said. “It’s so great to see it finally come together.”
Jackson said the new facility, and a dozen others located throughout eastern Kentucky and southern Ohio, are built with revenue the nonprofit hospital is able to put back and reinvest in its system.
“Our independence is one reason for our success. Other hospitals can spend a fraction of what they make. The rest is going out to the corporation that owns it,” he said. “And because we are an independent organization, we can move faster and more effectively.”
Jackson said the new facility “fits in nicely.”
“I’m excited not only because we have this new building, I’m excited about what it means to Carter County and the surrounding area,” Jackson said. “And what’s more important is what is going to happen behind these walls.”
To celebrate the grand opening of the new health care facility, the community is invited to an open house on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tours of the center and free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, blood oxygen and cholesterol checks, will be provided. Ankle brachial index tests, which help determine the presence of vascular disease, also will be given.
Starting next week, the center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
SARAH LYNCH can be reached at (606) 326-2650 or slynch@dailyindependent.com.

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