May 18, 2011

For this week's segment of Martha Jefferson Healthwise, CBS19's Stephanie Satchell explores the hospital's new Education Center.

The building is located just outside of the hospital's new location on Pantops. In the new facility patients will be able to find all of their medical education classes under one roof.

"I think that it is important for patients to have one place to come, one location and everything is right here together," said Barbara Martin, a Diabetes Educator.

At the old hospital, classes were spread out both in and outside of the building, however at the new education center there is more classroom space which can accommodate more patients. At the new center, classes on babies, diabetes, exercise and nutrition will be taught.

"Its going to be increasingly important for people to stay healthy and manage their care after they're out of the hospital," said Martin. "The hospital is there to provide acute care, but certainly care continues after that."

The care starts at the Health Connection, a special service to help you stay connected to the medical care you need.

"We want patients to call us to find out that info regarding healthcare services we have to offer, if they need a physician, if they want to come to a class," said Angie Shaffer, a Health Connection Supervisor. Regardless of what you need, officials say you will be able to find it at the education center.