News Room - Press Releases

News Release
Contact: Lynne B. Zultanky, MSRT
Manager, Marketing: (757) 398-2626
Lynn_Zultanky@bshsi.com

CENTER OFFERS NEW OPTION TO INDIVIDUALS WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE
Bon Secours Opens Maryview Foundation Healthcare Center

PORTSMOUTH, VA (December 14, 2005) As a demonstration of the Medical Center’s commitment to caring for all members of the community, regardless of ability to pay, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center announced today the opening of Maryview Foundation Healthcare Center. Maryview Foundation Healthcare Center is designed to improve access to primary care services for individuals without proper insurance coverage or a primary care physician. The facility will serve Portsmouth adults who are currently forced to receive primary care services via the emergency department.

Located adjacent to the emergency department, the Center will provide emergency follow-up care, monitor conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure and to offer health education programs. Maryview Foundation Healthcare Center is located at 3600 High Street and will offer care Monday – Friday, with evening hours to accommodate work schedules.

Backgrounder:
In 2004, Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System provided more than $45 million in uncompensated care to the residents of Hampton Roads. On average, Bon Secours Maryview provides more than $1 M/month in uncompensated care to the residents of Western Hampton Roads. Each year nearly 50,000 patient visits are provided in the Bon Secours Maryview Emergency Department. More than 30 percent of these visits are provided to individuals seeking primary care with no means to receive services other than through emergency services. Maryview, through partnering with members of the community, will be investing more than $1M in the development of the center and to provide operating funds for the first year.

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Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System is a local, not-for-profit, Catholic health care system affiliated with the Bon Secours Health System, headquartered in Marriottsville, Md. Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System was established in 1996 with the transfer of sponsorship of Portsmouth General Hospital and DePaul Medical Center to Bon Secours. Through a joint venture arrangement, Mary Immaculate Hospital became a member of the Bon Secours Health System that same year. The system, which employs more than 4,700 is comprised of Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth, Bon Secours DePaul Medical Center in Norfolk, Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News and affiliated continuing and ambulatory care facilities throughout Hampton Roads.