171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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February 2008
Feature Story
Expanded clinic puts the needs of kids and caretakers first
A new location for the MUSC Children's Care clinic in North Charleston adds much needed space and a more child-friendly environment for this fast- growing practice.
"We've expanded from six exam rooms to 15, and more than doubled our previous space," explains Dr. Henry Lemon, who serves as medical director for both the North Charleston and Moncks Corner Children's Care clinics.
The relocation last month doubled the clinic's size to 5,300 square feet. "It's now a facility that is truly dedicated to treating children, with the décor and equipment all chosen with pediatrics in mind," says Dr. Lemon.
Bright colors, child-safe spaces, an open waiting area and easily accessible bathrooms with changing stations create a kid-friendly atmosphere that puts little ones and their caretakers first.
"Previously we shared a waiting room with other clinics, but now we have a dedicated waiting area specifically for our patients," says Dr. Lemon. "Because it doesn't combine practices, it's much calmer and more welcoming for our young patients."
The new clinic has plenty of office space for the four providers (formerly the four shared one small office), a break room and conference room designed for medical education.
Same convenient location, same continuity of care
To be able to stay in the same building complex and continue as a much-needed resource for the people of the North area is a great accomplishment, notes Dr. Lemon.
Because the clinic relocated from a building next door, patients still enjoy its convenient location -- across the street from a city bus stop and in the same complex as the MUSC Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which provides prenatal and women's health services.
It's a helpful combination of care that Dr. Lemon and his staff call "one-stop shopping."
"These are important factors for this segment of the population," he notes." Another advantage: most of the staff are bilingual and the MUSC Specialty Center North is nearby.
The MUSC Department of Pediatrics created MUSC Children's Care in 1999 in response to a growing need for healthcare for children with public insurance or limited healthcare provider options. The clinic treats typical childhood illnesses and ambulatory conditions including asthma, ADHD and other specialized pediatric care.
Typically the clinic serves children in their first decade. "We provide continuity, establishing a newborn's care and then making it possible for the child to continue to see the same practitioner at each encounter throughout his or her young life," explains Dr. Lemon. "We can manage ongoing problems and provide a medical Ôhome' for these children."
Keeping up with area growth and community needs
Together the North Charleston and Moncks Corner locations serve 6,200 children, at a growth rate of more than 86 new patients per month.
The pediatrician and his staff are certain the expansion will not only meet, but also grow along with the needs of its ever-increasing number of patients: "We're booked four of five months in advance, but are hopeful that this added space will accommodate the next five years of growth in the North area.
"This new building allows us to serve more patients, reduces their wait time, and facilitates scheduling," says Dr. Lemon.
The clinic added a third full-time pediatrician in April 2004, and a fourth full-time provider, a nurse practitioner, in May 2007. Dr. Lemon expects to add a fifth provider - a third pediatrician - in the near future, and foresees being able to expand office hours under the terms of the new building's lease. Clinic pediatrician Cynthia Murphy was recently named MUSC's 2006 Clinician of the Year.
Dr. Lemon says it wouldn't be possible without the support of the Trident United Way. "Part of the reason we've been able to operate and be successful is through its generous support."
The clinic's mission is in line with the Trident United Way's Success by Six program, which ensures children reach school readiness by age six.
By partnering with the United Way, Dr. Lemon and his staff expect to keep pace with the fast-growing population in the area in ways that go beyond healthcare.
"We're looking forward to launching a child literacy campaign," he explains. "Now that we have a dedicated space and a child-focused waiting room, we're able to have volunteer readers on site. This is a growing community, and we're proud to serve it as it grows. This new building helps us do that -- and more."
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