Healthcare has gone west and grown up with the county.

Covenant Health employees, government officials and other regional dignitaries gathered to celebrate the opening of Morristown-Hamblen West, a new 67,000-square-foot building located on Merchants Greene Blvd. that will expand healthcare options in the Lakeway region by providing emergency care, breast imaging, diagnostic imaging primary care and physician offices.

“The opening of Morristown-Hamblen West reflects Covenant Health’s focus on providing the right care, at the right time, at the right place,” said Jim VanderSteeg, president and chief executive officer of Covenant Health. “The new facility brings much needed services and resources to the community of Morristown, furthering the high-quality care that Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System can provide.”

Census data shows the county has grown from 58,000 residents to over 65,000 in the first two decades of the century. In addition, thousands of commuters come into the county everyday to work.

Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney noted the growth and the way the new facility will help the region address related challenges.

“As Morristown continues to grow, so grows the need for expanding quality healthcare services, and Morristown-Hamblen West is stepping up to meet that need,” said Chesney, “Now having a second emergency room that includes a diagnostic center is a huge plus for Morristown and the surrounding region it serves.”

Gordon Lintz, president and chief administrative officer of Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System, spoke about the expanded services offered by the addition of Morristown-Hamblen West to the Covenant Health system.

“The new facility offers a variety of services to bring more accessible care to the Lakeway region. Whether you need emergency care or a routine checkup, Morristown-Hamblen West will be able to serve our local community.”

For full coverage, see Sunday’s Edition of the Citizen Tribune.