St. Mary’s Health Center will unveil its latest behavioral health technology, as well as its recently expanded inpatient unit, at an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4.
The new telemedicine technology allows patients to visit with physicians live over video for 24/7 care, with immediate follow-up treatment by hospital staff. This innovative technology provides patients greater access to healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists and psychologists, which are at an increasing shortage across the U.S.
St. Mary’s also expanded its number of inpatient behavioral health beds from 16 to 24 to meet a growing need for mental-health services in central Missouri. The St. Mary’s Center for Behavioral Health admitted 75 patients per month before the expansion, but receives approximately 150 inquiry calls a week about services. St. Mary’s is the only inpatient behavioral health unit in the area.
The open house is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. The blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. in the St. Mary’s Behavioral Health Unit on the hospital’s fourth floor, with unit tours, a live telemedicine video demonstration and a reception to follow.