The décor of the newly renovated pediatric specialty clinics in Williamson County matches that of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. (photo by Joe Howell)
Williamson pediatric clinics gain space
The Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is tripling its capacity in Williamson County with the opening of new pediatric specialty clinics.
The clinics will be located on the newly renovated second floor of the Vanderbilt Medical Group building at 2105 Edward Curd Lane, next to Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, Tenn.
Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Diabetes, Cardiology and the Adolescent Referral Clinic began seeing patients Dec. 1, and Developmental Medicine & Cognition, Pulmonary Medicine and Nephrology will follow Jan. 1, 2009.
“Specialties will come in phases, which allows time to optimize efficiencies as we grow,” said Vicki Smith, business manager for pediatric clinics. “We plan another ramp-up in July depending on recruiting as there is more space available.”
Space is one of the primary reasons for the move to Edward Curd Lane.
“We are tight on space in the Doctors' Office Tower. This allows us to decompress from here.
“Pediatric specialty growth in Williamson County makes Vanderbilt's providers more available to the community physicians for consultation,” Smith said.
Another reason is convenience, said Chris Lee, associate Vanderbilt Medical Group director for Children's Ambulatory Services.
“The biggest advantage is the service to patients in Franklin or further south of Franklin who don't want to drive downtown.
“We're trying to get the services closer to patients and doctors,” Lee said.
“Patients don't have to come all the way to Vanderbilt, and they can avoid the parking and traffic,” Smith added.
The expansion also separates pediatric clinics from adult ones, bringing children more focused and specialized care.
“We know that children aren't just little adults. This is an exclusively pediatric clinic,” Lee said.
The renovations created 18 expanded exam rooms and physician work rooms, and the décor matches the playful mood of Children's Hospital.
Planners were very purposeful about including the paper dolls logo to reinforce that patients are still under the Children's Hospital umbrella.
“This is an extension of us. It is very kid-friendly and carries the feel of Children's Hospital out there,” Lee said.