TYLER (KYTX) - With a growing number of patients to care for, expansion at Texas Spine and Joint Hospital was just a matter of time. "It's often a challenge, our bed board person is always managing a tight census," Dr. Charles Gordon, a neurologist at Texas Spine and Joint Hospital, said.
Now that the hospital has space, it can buy additional equipment like the latest MRI machines. "We may employ new image guidance systems, and we're going to be involved in cutting edge research trials as we have in the past," Gordon said.
He adds some of that research will involve stem cells, to encourage the science of repairing body parts instead of replacing them."We want to be able to fix people through smaller and smaller incisions in the future," Gordon said.
Texas Spine and Joint will have twice as many beds to meet demand in the new facility. Tony Wahl, CEO of Texas Spine and Joint, says those are increasingly important to service the aging population. "As long as those demographics continue, I think there will be a strong demand for healthcare in this economy," Wahl said.
Even though doors to the new facility aren't open yet, renovations are putting people to work right now. "The ripple effect is millions of dollars in the local economy," Wahl said.
That won't stop anytime soon. Spine and Joint is building another facility in 6 months, adding even more jobs. "We'll probably add another 25 to 30 on South Broadway," Wahl said.
Positions will range from non-degreed minimum wage jobs to positions requiring specialized degrees that pay up to $70,000 per year.
