Health Care Industry Still a Source of Strength

While the rest of the Northwest Arkansas economy cools, some sectors are still playing catch-up.

Since November 2006, health care and education jobs have grown by 1,100 in the metro area, and the combined total invested in new hospitals from Fayetteville to Harrison tops $300 million.

Mercy Health in Rogers recently opened its new 450,000-SF complex and Washington Regional in Fayetteville had to add a fifth floor almost as soon as it opened, also completed in the last few months.

The expansion of “big box” hospitals in the Big Four cities is most noticeable, but several amenities now available and others on the way will continue to provide a source of high-paying jobs. Not only do these amenities benefit area residents, but they also make Northwest Arkansas a “destination” for health care.

The Physicians Surgery Center in Fayetteville has broken ground on an expansion that will add more than 36,000 SF to its existing building and create around 85 new jobs, according to CEO Russ Greene, for a total of around 150.

The doctors, who represent 89.5 percent ownership of the company, have revised their plans and added a third floor to their surgical hospital. Currently they can only have patients for a single night before they must be discharged. Being able to keep patients as long as needed will allow them to expand their offering in musculoskeletal procedures.

It will have 46 beds and four operating rooms, a first of its kind for specialty hospitals in Northwest Arkansas because of its inpatient capability.

The company emphasizes efficiency, Greene said, and has a 98 percent satisfaction rating from customers. It also has education partnerships with local high schools for “earner-learner” jobs in the summer, as well as with the University of Arkansas, UAMS and NWA Community College.

The Centers for Children in Lowell, a collaboration between UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital, now offers treatment in 17 specialties after opening last year.

A pediatric neurologist and nurse practitioner will be joining the staff full time July 1, and the number of jobs will grow from 33 to 40.

An EEG machine has been added to go along with electrocardiogram and echocardiogram systems. Fulltime specialists in cardiology, endocrinology and gastroenterology are being recruited now.