By Susan E. Campbell
Women’s Health, part of the Hudson Headwaters Health Network, reopened its doors on April 6 following months of interior renovation.
The changes make the center at 90 South St. in Glens Falls “an optimal experience” with more comprehensive services for women and their families, according to practice leader Sally Howard.
“We expanded up and down,” said Howard, who has been with the practice for three years. “The physical expansion of the facility creates an environment where patients and providers feel they will get the best care.”
Hudson Headwaters Health Network has centers from Champlain down to Moreau and west to North Creek. The recently re-named Women’s Health became a part of the network in 2013, said Dr. Ted Denious, who co-leads it with Dr. Danielle Goertzen.
“A private practice called North Country Obstetrics/Gynecology was located here and wanted to join HHHN,” said Denious. “There were six practitioners in 2013 and there are 12 at any given time today, and the recent expansion gives us the space needed to accommodate more staff.”
The OB/GYN practice used only the middle of three floors back then. Now Women’s Health occupies the main and upper levels in a configuration of exam areas, office spaces and waiting rooms that “increase efficiency and offer a better use of space overall,” Howard said. “For example, a woman can enjoy the experience of an ultrasound with her family present in one area while patients with gynecological needs can be seen on another floor.”
According to Jane Hooper, community relations manager for HHHN, “there are large, bright waiting areas, spacious hallways and 13 restrooms. There is also a break room for staff.”
The lower level provides on-site laboratory space for Glens Falls Hospital, as well as maternal and fetal medicine provided by Albany Medical Center staff.
An important aspect of the re-opening is that the array of health services provided is more comprehensive than ever before. Mental health and behavioral therapies have been added, and care management ensures that patients have all the services and links to social programs they may need, according to Denious.
“Part of the reason for the name change is that this center is doing so much more and will continue to expand services,” he said. “Now people understand that visiting Women’s Health enrolls you in the entire Hudson Headwaters network with all its resources.”
He said the location across from Glens Falls Hospital “does optimize the care that can be provided and makes it more seamless.”
“The patient experience is so different now from what it was,” said Howard. “But our goal has always been increased patient satisfaction.. It is exciting to see the positive changes. We were fortunate to have a number of donations of wall art and photographs by some local and regional artists.”
“Especially with the COVID-19 virus,” Denious said. “As people remain housebound, having a practice that is nimble enough to optimize care in homes and at the office is especially relevant.”
There was no fanfare or ribbon-cutting at the reopening because of the pandemic. But the practice is hopeful that in June it may be possible to have a more public celebration.