AnMed Teddy Bear Clinic Highlights New Piedmont Facility
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
AnMed Health’s 21st annual Teddy Bear Clinic on Saturday served not only as a children's introduction to doctors and nurses, but as a community open house for the new Piedmont facility.
Families lined up to visit the event, some with stuffed animals in hand while others were given a teddy bear, to demystify doctor and hospital visits for children (and their parents) through a series of activities and displays offering simulation of medical procedures with the teddy bear, or other stuffed animal as the patient.
AnMed doctors, nurses and other medical professionals demonstrated everything from x-ray exams to how to make a crib safe for infants as part of the event.
The new 55,000 square feet AnMed Piedmont facility, located at the corner of South Carolina Highway 86 and Old Williamston Road, just off Interstate 85 at Exit 35 marks a significant expansion of AnMed's services in the growing northeastern Anderson County.
Representing an investment of more than $50 million, and creating approximately 67 new jobs, the new work is funded by AnMed, as well as local, state, and federal support, the site will include 24/7 emergency care beginning Monday, and on July 14 expand to include family medicine, pediatrics, physical therapy, orthopedics, sports medicine, and specialty areas including cardiology, X-rays, and laboratory services.
The location will also include a substation for Anderson County Emergency Services and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department to reduce response times in this growing area.
Community Impact: AnMed Piedmont aims to improve access to essential healthcare services for the growing communities in northeastern Anderson County and surrounding areas. The inclusion of EMS and Sheriff's Office substations will also enhance public safety.
