Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
LETITIA STEINPediatricians in eastern Hillsborough often have to send kids out of the area for specialized care. That's about to change.
When a child suffers from a chronic ear infection, the doctors at Pediatric Care Center often recommend seeing a physician who specializes in ears, nose and throat conditions. But finding one may require a drive to Tampa, St. Petersburg or Lakeland.
Pediatric specialists are few and far between in the greater Brandon area.
"There's always a great need for specialists in the area, because it's not something that you see much in Brandon," said Gerri Hoskins, a triage nurse at Pediatric Care Center. The center, which offers general pediatric care at clinics on Vonderburg Drive and Oakfield Drive, routinely refers families elsewhere for specialized care.
Starting in January, families should be able to find pediatric specialists closer to home. All Children's Specialty Care of Brandon will open on Parsons Avenue, south of Brandon Regional Hospital. The 19,000-square-foot facility now under construction will be staffed by 10 to 15 pediatric specialists.
The specialty center, which has been three years in the works, seeks to meet a need for pediatric services in fast-growing east Hillsborough County. Many physicians practice here but often have to refer young patients to Tampa and St. Petersburg for specialized care.
All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, which owns the center, has not determined what specialties will be offered.
Physicians will be able to examine patients and order lab work and X-rays at the center. They also will be equipped to perform minor surgeries such as circumcision.
All Children's Specialty Care of Brandon also will feature physical and speech therapies and other pediatric rehabilitation services. What may look like a playground will house therapeutic toys and equipment, such as a swinging bridge to help children learn balance.
"The concept is bring the doctor to the patient, rather than having the patient go to the doctor," said Connie Joy, a nurse and director of the centers in Brandon and Lakeland.
The $4.8-million facility in Brandon marks All Children's sixth specialty center. Similar facilities exist in Tampa, New Port Richey, Lakeland, Sarasota and Fort Myers.
"Brandon was chosen specifically because of the high level of pediatric population that is there now and clearly coming," Joy said.
Letitia Stein can be reached at 661-2443 or lstein@sptimes.com