2020 is starting off strong for Truman Medical Center Lakewood after major improvements made to the hospital’s Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine department. In 2019, the hospital celebrated the opening of a new, state-of-the-art $4.5 million center that offers both services under one roof. It also achieved industry accolades that sets it apart from its competitors.

“Over the past year, we have added new expertise to the orthopaedic team, expanded the services available to orthopaedic patients, and invested in the newest medical technology to care for those patients,” stated Lynette M. Wheeler, Chief Operating Officer of TMC Lakewood.  “Much like other investments made here,  this expansion will assure that our patients have access to the highest quality of care, and best outcomes in a community hospital close to home. “

Designed for comfort, convenience

The new 8,000 square-foot addition was designed with input from staff and physicians to make the space more functional and comfortable for patients. In addition to combining orthopaedic and sports medicine services, the Lakewood Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center also streamlines the patient experience and eliminates the need for patients to travel to a different facility for an MRI before treatment. 

The center added 15 exam rooms dedicated to orthopaedics, as well as two casting rooms. In order to improve patient-experience, the orthopaedic exam rooms were designed to be larger and more comfortable.

New technology

TMC-Lakewood also added new technology to its orthopaedic care unit. The state-of-the art Magnetom Aera by Siemen’s offers Tesla-strength magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The new machine cuts scan times up to 40 percent to make patients more comfortable. It also produces higher-quality images to maximize the benefit to physicians.

New certification

2019 was a year of industry milestones at TMC-Lakewood. The hospital achieved the Joint Commisisons’ Gold Seal for Advanced Certification for total joint replacement in hips and knees. It also received certification for total joint replacements in shoulders. This certification sets the bar for quality and safety, giving patients shorter hospital stays and reduced recovery times.

“Patients can trust that our joint replacement programs offer improved pain management, quicker recoveries and high levels of satisfaction with the physician and staff interactions equaling greater value for the patient,” said Thomas J. McCormack, M.D., MHCDS.