Expanding health care industry fills prescription for growth

Buoyed by a new state-of-the-art hospital, a new nursing school, significant expansions by two of the region’s largest private medical practices and the opening of new pediatric clinics, St. Clair County is leading the way in providing top-notch health care for its citizens.

Seven years ago, a major health system from metropolitan Birmingham decided to open a new, cutting-edge hospital in the county. Today, it draws a patient census from 10 counties.

Just across the road, Col. Robert L. Howard Veterans Home opened on the heels of St. Vincent’s St. Clair Hospital, becoming a model for the nation in veteran health care and operating at capacity with a waiting list.

Nearby Jefferson State Community College just opened its Nursing and Allied Health wing, providing even more opportunities for students and a steady supply of trained and certified people to fill a growing health care jobs market.

Large private practices have spurred growth as well. Northside Medical has expanded three times, doubling its size and bringing in specialties once reserved only for much larger, urban areas. In addition, it is opening an urgent care center on its campus in October, and a comprehensive wellness center with indoor pool is on the drawing board.

Bringing quality health care directly to underserved areas, Northside has joined forces with St. Vincent’s to operate clinics in Springville, Ashville and Trussville in addition to its own clinic in Moody.

Pell City Internal Family Medicine is doing likewise, expanding with additional clinics in Pell City and Margaret.

Pediatric care is well served with Children’s Pediatrics, affiliated with Children’s of Alabama, in Pell City, Springville Pediatrics in Springville and Purohit Pediatrics in Moody.

As for the growth, St. Clair EDC Executive Director Don Smith predicted, “I don’t see it stopping.” And that makes his job a little easier with growth not only in the medical arena but in industry and business as well because of it.

“With the number of medical-related companies and when you have that kind of synergy taking place on I-20 and U.S. 231, it is very attractive to those investing in the medical sector. The community took a very proactive approach toward health care at a time when many rural hospitals were going out of business,” he said. And it is paying huge dividends.

From an economic development standpoint, Smith sees more pluses. “A company’s largest expenses are labor and payroll. With having so many services here to help with physical therapy and access to emergency care, it helps offset their potential medical-related expenses in their payroll costs.”

And the medical community itself takes a proactive approach, going into companies and helping improve procedures to help offset long term labor costs. “It’s a real asset,” Smith said. “It speaks volumes. I don’t know of any companies going outside for health care.”

Over the past decade, Smith has seen at least a $100 million investment in the county’s medical sector, much of it shouldered by St. Vincent’s and the VA home. Couple it with multiple, major expansions at Northside and key moves by PCIFM to expand its services and reach, and the medical community in St. Clair County shows no signs of slowing.

Their investment is well spent in laying a strong foundation on which to build, Smith said. “It will continue to be more important as demographics continue to shift with more folks getting older and needing quality health care. I believe that sector will continue to grow.”

And the quality of life has absolutely benefitted. People looking to retire and settle into an area look at the quality of medical services available.

Job opportunities and expanded medical care for citizens are also among quality-of-life factors trending positively. “Jefferson State has been wonderful to respond to the growing needs in our community. Before there was a replacement hospital, the VA and Northside, there was no significant medical presence. Now, Jeff State offers a complete Registered Nursing program with 100 percent passage and placement rates.”

Citing the $.5 million investment in the nursing program, Smith said officials are hopeful the volume of graduates continues to grow.”

And as St. Clair County’s population continues to grow, Smith predicted that the medical sector will have a strong future for at least the next 20 to 30 years.

And that opens up even more opportunities. “We want to make sure our brightest young people have the opportunity to remain in the community, so they can become pillars of the community. It is always good if you can retain the next generation of leaders instead of exporting them to other areas.”