Muskogee Community Hospital will be opening in the next few weeks and will expand the health care choices in the Muskogee area.

The hospital began as a need was recognized by a group of 25 physicians to provide better health care in Muskogee. They recognized their patients’ need for a change in the delivery of health care to be the driving principle.

Their efforts to accomplish this goal in the old delivery system were met with obstacles from both a management standpoint and facility design.

How will this hospital be different?

First, it is owned by local physicians who live, shop, worship and provide health care in Muskogee and who are committed to the growth and improvement of our quality of life in our community.

Second, it has been designed to be the most environmentally friendly hospital in the country — a “green" hospital.

For example, the Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded the hospital its Energy Star design building award for being the first hospital and the first health care facility to ever be built in the nation to meet their criteria since it was created in 2002.

This translates to lower operating costs and lower costs to you. Also, our design has incorporated technology using ultraviolet lighting that will clean and eliminate virtually every airborne bacteria. Again, better for you, our patients.

Every aspect of the building and caregiving has been researched and designed to provide the best possible experience for the patient. The equipment in the building is the most technologically advanced equipment on the market and will provide better choices for the care our patients need.

What impact will this hospital have on health care in our area?

The landscape has changed in the last couple years. The Cherokee Nation has built an incredible clinic, Muskogee Regional Medical Center is now privately owned by a company in Tennessee, and now we, Muskogee Community Hospital, have come along.

All of this means more choices and more choices mean more competition and more competition means better health care for you.

Muskogee has the opportunity to become a regional health care center for the entire southeastern quarter of the state. More people will have the ability to receive their health care in Muskogee. As the regional hub, existing businesses will conduct more transactions and new jobs in health care will lead the way to a better Muskogee.

MCH already has other health care services being planned that will enhance what is available in our community.

Can anyone use our hospital?

Yes, we are a small 45-bed, rural acute care hospital providing a full range of diagnostic and imaging services including laboratory tests, endoscopy, MRI, CT, ultrasound, mammography and radiology.

Surgical services will include general; orthopedic; ear, nose and throat; urology; neurosurgery; and gynecology. We will start slow and limit what we do as we get comfortable with our new facility, associates and procedures.

Is there enough business for all the health care facilities?

Yes, our studies have shown that a majority of community members go outside of Muskogee for health care. We believe that by providing a locally owned, physician-driven, state-of-the-art health care system, that we can fill our facility with those patients who have overwhelmingly chosen to go elsewhere in the past.

Can our hospital be all things to all people?

No, we are starting small and will not be able to provide all the services needed by the community. We have a large campus and plan to grow over time, but we will focus on what we can do best for you, the patient. We will grow as we can to provide the best health care available.

But, we promise you this: Our hospital is comprised of physicians who have invested their careers, capital and reputations into this project to provide you the best health care.

We believe Muskogee deserves better.

Mark Roberts is president of Muskogee Community Hospital.