Convenience Grows as ValleyCare Expands

By Jay Hipps, Hacienda Network Staff Writer

60,000 Square Foot Addition to Allow for Greater Access

Expanded services and accessibility are the goal as ValleyCare Medical Center continues its growth with a 60,000 square foot expansion. The three-story wing, which broke ground recently, will provide 30 additional inpatient beds and is expected to be completed in December, 1999.

"We are very excited to begin construction of the new wing," says Marcy Feit, president and CEO of ValleyCare Health System. "Our bed capacity is a critical issue for the Tri-Valley." The facility has been operating at capacity for the last 18 months.

ValleyCare Health Systems was founded in 1961 by local citizens to meet area health care needs. A not-for-profit provider of health services, ValleyCare operates two hospitals: Valley Memorial Hospital in Livermore and ValleyCare Medical Center, which borders Hacienda on the southeast.

Having a major medical facility nearby offers obvious advantages, convenient access being chief among them. With state-of-the-art equipment like a new $1.6 million magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit, complete maternity and pediatric services, 24-hour emergency services, and an expert staff, it's clear that the medical center offers much more than just proximity, however. Add occupational health services, sports medicine, physical therapy, wellness programs, and more, and it's easy to see that the medical center is a great asset for Hacienda businesses and employees.

Occupational Health

Perhaps the best benefit to the business community is ValleyCare's Occupational Health Services division. While the group offers traditional injury care for those hurt on the job, their focus is actually much broader than that.

"We have taken on much more of a preventative, health maintenance and wellness focus in recent years," explains Lisa Babilonia, manager of corporate accounts. "We're doing a lot more on-site education and training for employers."

On-site workshops may focus on how to avoid repetitive motion injuries or, in settings where heavy lifting is required, on basic body mechanics.

"It's all about being more pro-active in injury care and wellness, and bringing about greater awareness regarding health care issues through education," she adds.

Of course, Valley-Care Occupation Health Systems offers all the services that employers expect in a medical services provider, including injury evaluation and treatment, new hire/annual physical exams, drug screening, specialized testing, and more. The group also offers customized worksite programs, ergonomic and blood borne pathogen training, health risk assessments, executive physicals, and even foreign travel immunizations and consultation.

"We want companies to think of us as a health care resource," she adds. "For example, there is an increased demand this time of year because many companies want us to provide on-site flu vaccinations."

Another popular offering of ValleyCare Occupational Health Services is on-site seated massage. These brief, 10- to 20-minute massages cover the head, neck, shoulders, back, arms, and hands, allowing employees a refreshing break without leaving work.

For more information on ValleyCare Occupational Health Services, contact Lisa Babilonia at (925) 416-3584.

Physical and Sports Medicine

A variety of innovative services are offered through ValleyCare's Physical and Sports Medicine Services division. While the main focus is on injury prevention and rehabilitation, there are more items as well.

One of these is the Personal Exercise Program, which provides individualized exercise routines for people with special needs, whether it's because of a disability or simply a desire for a customized program. They even offer an ongoing Youth Fitness Program, designed for children between ages 6 and 14. Call (925) 416-3667 for more information.

Doing Business with ValleyCare

Another potential benefit to Hacienda tenants is the ability to serve ValleyCare Health Center as a vendor. The hospital has a separate department for acquisitions, which is constantly seeking new suppliers. Call (925) 847-3000 for information.

It could be a great way to grow your business, as ValleyCare expands theirs.

Photo: A 60,000 square foot, three-story wing is being added to ValleyCare's Pleasanton facility.

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