February Cover Story: Closer to home

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Bringing healthcare to our communities

Backus covers ground with off-site locations

Having a Backus lab and a health center in Plainfield is just what Claudia Bogue says she needs.

"It's extremely convenient and the staff is so friendly," she said during a recent visit to the Backus lab at 120-122 Plainfield Road in the Moosup section of Plainfield. "I live in Brooklyn, and this is not even 10 minutes from my house. All of my doctors are from Backus, so this is fantastic."

Ms. Bogue is also excited to hear about the opening of the Plainfield Backus Health Center, which will include walk-in and primary care next door to the lab.

"This is going to be really great for the area," she said.

Years ago when people spoke of Backus, they meant only the hospital on 326 Washington St. in Norwich.

But Backus has quickly evolved into a fullfledged healthcare system, with locations from Groton to Plainfield - and towns in between, such as Colchester, Montville, Gales Ferry and Jewett City. Whether it's diagnostic imaging, a lab, a health center or homecare services, Backus continues to bring healthcare to the communities in eastern Connecticut that need it.

"It's especially good for me," said Richard Potter, who recently moved to Canterbury from Clinton.

Mr. Potter said the Plainfield lab is a convenient drive for him, and he looks forward to establishing a relationship with a physician at the new health center.

Like other Backus health centers in Montville, Gales Ferry and Colchester, the new Plainfield health center will offer adult primary care with and without an appointment.

"The opening of our Plainfield Backus Health Center is part of our ongoing commitment to the residents of New London and Windham Counties," said Dave Whitehead, President and Chief Executive Officer at Backus. "The more we can do to bring quality healthcare into the communities we serve, the more we improve the health of the region."

The most visible offsite location is the Backus Outpatient Care Center off I-395 in Norwich, which includes a lab, anticoagulation clinic, diabetes and endocrinology center, arthritis and rheumatology center, wound care center, physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and a private dermatology office.

Backus health centers in Montville, Gales Ferry and Colchester offer primary care, walk-in care and lab services. The Colchester and Montville sites offer a wide range of diagnostic imaging services as well.

Imaging services are also available at the Groton Outpatient Care Center and in Norwichtown.

In addition to two labs on the main hospital campus, one at the Backus Outpatient Care Center and at the three health centers, the hospital has a lab in Norwichtown, Jewett City and Plainfield.

Backus Home Health Care, and Backus Physician Services, which features a wide range of surgeons, are based in Norwich.

For more information about Backus locations, visit
www.backushospital.org/healthcenters
www.backushospital.org/labs
www.backushospital.org/diagnosticimaging
www.backushospital.org/bps
www.backushomehealth.com