St. Bernards to partner with Lawrence Healthcare for services in Walnut Ridge

St. Bernards Medical Center said Wednesday (June 14) it will begin offering new medical services to Lawrence County residents through a partnership with Lawrence Healthcare in Walnut Ridge.

The services, now provided at St. Bernards Specialty Clinic at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, occupy clinical space within the hospital, giving patients local care options for obstetrics, behavioral health, heart and vascular, wound healing and pre-admission testing.

St. Bernards Assistant Vice President of Radiology, Cancer and Wound Care Alicia Storey oversees the clinic’s day-to-day operations.

“These are award-winning healthcare services, but excellence without access leaves major gaps in the care we provide,” Storey said. “Now, new moms can receive vital prenatal care and navigate a pregnancy closer to home. Heart patients can meet with their cardiologist without unnecessary travel, getting back to their everyday lives sooner. Patients who might otherwise go without mental health services receive counseling and medication management locally within a private setting. Overall, patients in Walnut Ridge and its surrounding communities can now access the same high level of care they expect in Jonesboro at a more convenient location.”

Lawrence Healthcare President Josh Conlee said collaborative efforts between Lawrence Healthcare and St. Bernards Healthcare continue to improve rural healthcare in Northeast Arkansas.

“We talk about the presence of ‘health deserts’ in Lawrence County where our residents cannot get the holistic care they need,” Conlee said. “These services address many of our needs, and we’re grateful for this ongoing partnership with St. Bernards.”