(Orthopedic surgeons Dr. James Deal, left, and Dr. John Masterson provide services in a new Hendrick Clinic building in Brownwood at 2210 Crockett Drive)

As rain fell outside Tuesday morning, staff of Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood and the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce gathered inside to celebrate the recent opening of Hendrick Clinic Orthopedics in their new building at 2210 Crockett Drive.

A prayer to bless the building and the medical professionals and patients that use the facility was said.

“This is an exciting day for Hendrick in Brownwood,” said Krista Baty, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Nursing Officer. “We want our patients to be able to stay close to home to receive high quality care. This is one of the reasons this clinic was opened and these two gentlemen were asked to come here. This new facility makes many added conveniences for the patients here. One of those is just basic imaging in this house, in this clinic. The doctors can see their patients, then send them back for an x-ray and before the patient ever leaves the clinic, they can take a look at that and provide treatment or the next steps for the patients before they ever leave here,” Baty said.

Baty also referenced expanded orthopedic services down the street at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood in the main hospital. A Mako robot, which went into use in the month of May, is used for knee joint replacements by the orthopedic surgeons. Robotic-arm assisted surgery for joint replacement is designed to offer greater accuracy for implant alignment and positioning.

Local resident, Paul Waldrop, is the Brownwood representative on the Board of Directors of Hendrick Health System.

“Our Board is very supportive of Brownwood.  They’re totally supportive of quality healthcare, they’re committed to spending what’s necessary to bring this hospital to the Hendrick standards.  I’m really excited about having these physicians here as a part of Hendrick,” said Waldrop.

“We’ve been in this facility now for about a month. As Krista mentioned it’s wonderful to have our own imaging here to take care of our patients. I’m excited to be here with Dr. Deal. We’re excited to bring a lot of technology to Brownwood. Also, we’re doing arthroscopic shoulder procedures and other things,” said Dr. John Masterson.

“It’s a great facility. The imaging in-house has been great. We’re seeing improvements in care already,” said Dr. James Deal who has been with Hendrick for almost two years.

The Chamber held the official ribbon cutting with Dr. Deal and Dr. Masterson doing the honors of cutting the ribbon.

Those in attendance received a tour of the facility and enjoyed refreshments.