Dear Editor,
In this season of gratitude, I am thankful for the physicians and employees at Lower Keys Medical Center for their dedication to providing high quality compassionate care. I’m grateful we have a strong hospital that can deliver care 24 hours a day, seven days per week, and provide the equipment, supplies and medications that patients may require at any time.
As a physician here since 1980, and a member of the hospital board for 33 years, I have witnessed this commitment firsthand. Through countless challenges in our health care landscape, the hospital has remained steadfast in service, while enhancing the care provided. From the aftermath of Hurricane Irma through a pandemic spanning several years, the LKMC team has been here, working tirelessly to keep residents informed and protected.
Throughout this time, more than $47 million has been invested to renovate our facilities and enhance services, including doubling the size of the behavioral health unit, opening a women’s imaging center and a cardiac catheterization lab, adding robotic technologies and establishing 24/7 neurology coverage.
Recognizing the uniqueness of our isolated island community, the hospital has invested in primary care growth and the recruitment of specialists in psychiatry, otolaryngology, interventional cardiology, pulmonology and gastroenterology — sophisticated specialties not common for a community our size. Those investments continue, with more improvements and recruitment efforts going forward into 2024.
I am especially thankful for our strong hospital in today’s challenging health care environment. Lower Keys Medical Center remains committed to this community and continues to seek solutions to provide the care our residents want and deserve, close to home. We look forward to many achievements in 2024 and to continuing to care for our community.
Sincerely,
Robin Roy Lockwood, MD
