Avera Medical Group has recently broken ground on a new digestive health facility at the Louise Health Campus in Sioux Falls. Dr. Christopher Hurley, a Gastroenterologist for Avera Medical Group, stated that the new facility is in response to changes in the recommended screening age for colon cancer. The United States Preventative Task Force now recommends screening starting at age forty-five, rather than fifty as previously recommended. This change was made due to the rise of colon cancer cases in younger individuals and the emergence of more aggressive types of the disease.
Dr. Hurley also mentioned that the development of the new facility was paused during the pandemic but was given the go-ahead with an updated model. He expressed his excitement about the project and how it will help address the growing needs of the community by providing essential digestive health services to patients in the Sioux Falls area.
According to Dr. Ronald Place, Regional President and CEO of Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center, this project will bring economic development benefits to the region by increasing capacity for gastrointestinal services and reducing wait times for patients. Additionally, it will improve access to important procedures like colonoscopies for preventive measures against colon cancer.
The construction of this new facility is expected to take approximately 18 months from groundbreaking to completion, and it aims to provide state-of-the-art facilities that meet the needs of patients in Sioux Falls and surrounding areas. The team behind this project is committed to ensuring that patients receive high-quality care and access to important healthcare services that can improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Overall, this new digestive health facility is an exciting development that will help address some of the most pressing healthcare needs in our community today. With its cutting-edge technology, experienced medical staff, and commitment to excellence, it promises to be a valuable asset for anyone seeking top-notch gastrointestinal care in Sioux Falls or beyond.
