As we have met with folks in the community to discuss our concept for a community health center, we are often asked, “Where is it going to be?” We are pleased to be able to answer that question. We have secured a “right of first offer” on about 5,300 sq. feet of vacant space at the Meadow Mall. This space is located between the House of Pizza and Key Bank. We are extremely happy to be able to secure access to this very central location, in the middle of the prime shopping and traffic center, with plenty of parking and grade level access.

Our planning team has worked with WBRC Architects and Engineers to design a work space that fits into the available area and gives us maximum flexibility to grow and adapt to changing conditions and to implement the team practice, patient-centered model for care we propose.

You can take a virtual tour of our proposed facility by going to our website, www.boothbayhealthcare.org. Search for virtual tour under About Us.

In 2008, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement proposed several steps they considered necessary to make significant improvement in the nation’s healthcare system. The authors of that report proposed a broad system of “linked goals” which became known as the “Triple Aim.”

Simply stated the “Triple Aim” is to simultaneously achieve:

1. Better healthcare outcomes and improved health status for the population

2. Improved satisfaction for both patients (consumers) and physicians (providers)

3. Lower per capita cost

Achieving the “Triple Aim” requires a new model for delivering healthcare: A primary care model that achieves higher rates of preventive care, manages chronic disease effectively, and reduces emergency room and hospital inpatient admission and readmission rates. This new model for primary health care practices is emerging as one of the most promising developments to transform the delivery of healthcare in the U.S., offering a framework for wellness focused, physician-guided, team-delivered, continuous and coordinated care.

Successfully achieving the Triple Aim seems to only be achieved by utilizing a team including physicians, medical assistants or health coaches, RNs, care coordinators and behavioral health specialists. A fully functioning care team requires appropriate space for a wide range of interactions from one-on-one communication to small and mid-sized group meetings.

Many primary care practices are striving to convert to the new model of care within a traditional office setting offering little accommodation for team based care delivery. When the opportunity arises to renovate or plan new facilities, enormous gains are realized. Appropriate organization and layout of the physical environment enhances the performance of the care team, improves operational efficiencies, encourages collaboration and improves the patient experience.

The optimal work environment provides dedicated space for care teams to interface on a continuous and confidential basis. Team members who can conveniently, efficiently and effectively access their colleagues will more naturally collaborate and trust their fellow team members to fulfill their role in the patient encounter, follow up scheduling/referral and care coordination processes. Convenient access to information, supplies and support space is also critically important.

While there is no perfect one-size-fits all team size, a "sweet spot” is a three or four provider “house” comprised of patient encounter space (exam rooms, consult rooms, talk rooms) and staff support space including open and private work stations, team spaces and storage areas for dedicated teams.

Building a new community health center seems like a daunting task. However, when something is worthwhile and fills a need, our great community pulls together to make it happen. Just witness our wonderful Community Center breaking down social isolation.

For more info and related news go to our website: www.boothbayhealthcare.org.

Does this sound good to you?

Are we missing anything? Since we are still in the planning stages there’s time to get more input from the people of the Boothbay region. We want to hear from you. What do you want from your community health center?

Please contact us: info@boothbayhealthcare.org

Like us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/boothbayhealthcare.org/

We need your help

Watch your mailbox in May for our capital fund appeal. We cannot do this without the support of the community.

For more information contact Gerald Homer, 633-5203, or go to: http://boothbayhealthcare.org/contact-us-2/