Miners’ Colfax Medical Center in Raton continues to upgrade equipment, medical services and personnel. CEO Shawn Lerch visited KRTN’s “This, That, and the Other” program on Friday, March 27th and told about the newest piece of equipment, the Ultrasound 4D machine. The latest technology usually found only in major metropolitan hospitals, the 4D Ultrasound will produce images just like a picture which will greatly enhance obstetrics, cardiology and pulmonary diagnostics. The machine was purchased with money from a previous appropriation from the NM Legislature.
Lerch also announced that MCMC will make a quantum leap in its service level as it will be getting a new CT scanner for the XRay Department. The new machine will have a resolution eight times greater than the current machine and will greatly enhance diagnostics, especially cardiac.
Lerch said that the new clinic construction is moving along quickly and will be complete by the end of July. The $3.2 million, 13, 000 square foot clinic has the outside walls up, and people should not be alarmed at the stark, yellow color. That color is just the seal coat with the final color set for a dark rust hue.
Lerch also said that the First Street Clinic is moving to the Clinic at the Acute Care Facility. The new phone number for Mimi Moore and Kirsten Adams is 575-445-7733.
As far as personnel goes, Lerch had some great news. When the clinic is complete, an additional 20 team members will be needed at MCMC. On the recruitment front, Lerch was pleased to announce that Dr. Christine Lopez, Doctor of Internal Medicine and Gerontology, will be setting up shop at the end of April and will also be the new Medical Director at Long Term Care. Lopez is the wife of Dr. Leonardo Lopez, who is currently on staff. The doctors will be joined by Dr. Haris Kazmi who specializes in pediatrics. The new clinic will have room for eight practitioners, and Lerch said their recruitment efforts are enhanced by the lure of the many outdoor activities and clean environment offered in our area. Lerch says they are searching for individuals who would enjoy what we have to offer, would be engaged and stay for a long term.
Lerch also had some good news about the Higher Education Task Force that is working on acquiring the former Highlands University building in downtown Raton. The acquisition should happen in the near future which will further enhance the continuing education certification and possibly even Masters programs in health- related fields.
