Friday , March 29 2024

Reliance Medical Centers – Not just re-inventing healthcare, remodeling it too!

Article and photographs by John Robins

Reliance Medical Centers - Not just re-inventing  healthcare, remodeling  it too!
Roberto Martinez, the Chief Administration Officer and Partner of Reliance Medical Centers.
This week, I had the opportunity to have a private guided tour of the up and coming new Reliance Medical Centers facility in Winter Haven by Roberto Martinez, the Chief Administration Officer and Partner of Reliance Medical Centers. In a word, WOW!
When it comes to seeing a doctor, feeling empowered to live a happier, healthier life, or trying to navigate the current system, the message from Reliance Medical Centers is simple; seniors deserve better, much better!
To ensure that patients receive better, Reliance is re-inventing the way healthcare is delivered. The changes taking place not only include the way the organization is structured, the way it operates and the type of treatments available, in recent months, it has also included the interior redesign and refurbishment of its already impressive medical center in Lakeland. However, when the management considered their medical facility in Winter Haven, it opened the opportunity for a re-design based on their innovative patient experience, transitioning it from a volume-based care model to a value-based care model — one that requires healthcare design and construction to support patient outcomes and population health management. Rather than refurbish the existing facility, they chose to build a purpose-built facility.
When driving around Winter Haven looking for the ideal location, the two owners, Carlos Romero MD and Roberto Martinez, kept passing the iconic, empty, ‘Colonial Bank’ building in downtown Winter Haven. The big one that everyone knows. The more they saw it, the more curious they became. After all, it was empty, an impressive looking building, ideally located to serve the seniors of Winter Haven, and it had plenty of parking space. Not surprisingly, their out-of-the-box thinking led them to find out if refurbishment was an option.
The building was designed by renowned architect Gene Leedy, famed for designing numerous buildings around Winter Haven. Other iconic structures designed by Gene include the Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce building, Haven Place condominium, and Winter Haven City Hall, to name a few.
Completed in 1990, the building remained the premises of the Colonial Bank until 2009 when the bank closed. The building then housed several companies on general lease until early 2019 when the owners, Carrerou Enterprises, LLC, decided to renovate and restore the building in such a way as to preserve its historic nature while adding a modern flare. Carlos and Roberto came along at just the right time, and in no time, it was agreed to completely gut and renovate the building according to plans of the Reliance Medical Centers.
The refurbishment is due to be completed in the first quarter of 2020, it’s impressive, and while I am unable to talk about some of the more secret elements of the project that will make this a remarkable place for seniors, what I can tell you is still pretty impressive. For example, when walking into the reception, seniors will be greeted in a massive reception area. Based on the style board images (shown here), the reception is going to look more like a 5-start hotel foyer than a medical center reception, providing seniors with a genuinely VIP medical concierge experience. Up above surrounding the lobby, is a windowed mezzanine that looks down into the lobby area. Windows feature throughout the facility positioned in such a way that they maintain privacy, but at the same time, give an open, light feel, generating a sense of togetherness between doctors and patients.
Rather than the traditional (and dull) theatre style chairs waiting area, there is going to be a stylish coffee shop where seniors will be able to get free drinks and healthy snacks as they wait a short while for their appointment. In addition to the impressive examination rooms and administration area, there will be the Winter Haven Reliance Wellness Club, a members-only club that includes a hair and nail salon, a spa for massages, a fitness room for yoga and other physical activities and an activity room for cooking classes and other events. All of which are free to Reliance Medical Centers patients. It really is amazing.
The Lakeland center has already introduced these elements and is already providing a VIP concierge healthcare service to seniors. If I were a senior in Winter Haven, I’d be signing up now as I am pretty sure they will reach capacity pretty soon after they open.
Reliance Medical Centers
Lakeland
3655 Innovation Dr.
Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Lab: 7am – 4pm
Winter Haven
111 Avenue A SE
Monday – Friday: 8am – 5pm
Lab: 7am – 4pm
888-414-1413
RelianceMedicalCenters.com

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