When companies are deciding where to locate, the main considerations focus on workforce development opportunities including affordable housing, cost of living, quality of schools – and healthcare.
The recent addition of a new primary care facility and a soon-to-open freestanding emergency room to the North Augusta area should help check those boxes for prospective employers.
The Aiken Physician Alliance opened its fourth location in Aiken County last month, at 336 Georgia Avenue in North Augusta, where a variety of basic services will be offered.
“We recognized the need for primary and specialty care in North Augusta and this facility can provide everything from wellness checkups to cardiology, urology, and neurology care,” said Board Certified Nurse Practitioner, Candace Waters.
The clinic can also provide diabetes education and DOT exams.
“Our goal is to provide a convenient location and keep everyone physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy,” she added.
The need for convenient and quick healthcare in North Augusta was also the impetus for a new emergency room scheduled to open in late July. The freestanding ER at Sweetwater will be located at the intersection of Austin Graybill Road and Market Plaza Drive.
“We will be able to treat patients who come in with chest pains, injuries from accidents, and anyone from older patients to pediatric emergencies. It’s a way to get emergency treatment closer to where you live without traveling to Augusta or Aiken,” said COO, Michael Hall.
The ER will feature 10 treatment rooms and include a triage center and rapid medical exams.
North Augusta Chamber CEO, Terra Carroll believes Aiken Regional Medical Centers’ expansions will be an asset for current and prospective employers.
“It will give our community and employers more options,” Carroll said. “The locations will be close to existing businesses and should be instrumental in attracting new businesses as well.”
In 1917, Aiken socialites donated money to start the Aiken Hospital and Relief Society, known today as Aiken Regional Medical Centers. The hospital currently receives more than 42,000 emergency patient visits each year.
When seconds count for emergencies or families need primary care close by, North Augusta will be better prepared to serve their needs.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
