New suite dedicated to primary care is official
St. James Hospital is pleased to announce the completion of its Primary Care expansion project with the Grand Opening of Primary Care Suite 101 in the Medical Office Building effective Monday, October 23. Physicians, leaders, board members, and family attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which marked a milestone in enhancing healthcare accessibility for Hornell and its surrounding communities.
“This expansion project is the result of continued recruitment success. We recognized that there was a community need for increased access to Primary Care,” Wendy Disbrow, President and CEO remarked
at the ribbon cutting ceremony. “St. James Hospital is so pleased that we have been able to address this need with the addition of new providers and the creation of this expanded space.”
The newly opened Suite 101, located by the Specialty Clinic Suite 102, is now home to three highly
skilled Primary Care providers specializing in internal medicine and dedicated to the well-being of patients aged eighteen years and older. Dr. Eric Tharmathurai, Dr. Julie van Baardwijk, and Advanced Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Wetherby, specialize in adult and geriatric medicine and the treatment of chronic conditions, ensuring comprehensive and specialized care for adults and elderly patients.
“Our Primary Care team is thrilled to open an additional space in the Medical Office Building,” shared Primary Care Practice Manager Tammy Criss. “Dr. van Baardwijk, Dr. Tharmathurai, and Jennifer Wetherby, ANP, have and will continue to do an exceptional job of caring for our patients.”
The suite spans 3,500 square feet and was designed to enhance patient care and provider efficiency. It includes eight exam rooms, a well-equipped treatment room, a spacious nursing station, and three provider offices. The total investment of this project amounts to an estimated $1.2 million, with a large portion allocated to furniture and equipment. Notably, the St. James Foundation was pivotal in supporting the expansion project and executing successful fundraising events throughout 2023. Through these efforts, $34,000 was raised to benefit the expansion project, illustrating the community’s support for accessible healthcare services.
Lisa Schwartz, St. James Foundation Board Chair, stated, “I am very pleased to see the true impact that our fundraising has had. We held three fundraising events to benefit this suite’s opening, and it is so great to see those dollars put into physical form. Our board looks forward to continuing our fundraising efforts to support St. James Hospital, its patients, staff, and our community.”
Primary Care Suite 101 is open from Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Patients can schedule appointments with Dr. van Baardwijk, Dr. Tharmathurai, or Advanced Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Wetherby by calling (607) 385 – 3700.
