Anchor Health Properties Develops Hazleton Health & Wellness Center, Bringing Strengths of the Retail Experience To Healthcare Consumers & Community


Wilmington, Delaware – August 8, 2007 – Anchor Health Properties, a national firm with a distinguished track record for bringing the strengths of the retail experience to the healthcare consumer and their communities, recently completed development of the Hazleton Health & Wellness Center in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

Anchor Health Properties worked early on with GHHA to develop the concept for the 73,000-square foot Hazleton Health & Wellness Center, which is home to a full range of outpatient diagnostic services; an ambulatory surgery center; physical, aquatic and fitness rehabilitation; and complementary physician offices.

“The Hazleton Health & Wellness Center is an innovation, changing the way healthcare is delivered to this community and this region,” said Jim Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Hazleton Health Alliance (GHHA). “We’re very proud of the facility, and pleased that we can demonstrate a progressive vision as an organization by addressing the needs of our customers, not telling them what they need but responding to their needs. This is the type of project we have wanted to do in this community for many years, and it is a major part of our strategic plan that will have a positive impact not only in Hazleton but throughout this region.”

“The new Hazleton Health & Wellness Center brings a new healthcare paradigm to the Northeastern Pennsylvania region, and provides a centralized location for a variety of outpatient services,” said Paula Crowley, Chief Executive Officer of Anchor Health Properties. “GHHA and their partner physicians share Anchor’s belief that patients are consumers who value convenience and customer service.”

Anchor brought many unique design elements to the Health & Wellness Center. Upon entering the facility, visitors are greeted by a concierge who can guide them to their destination. There is also a “water wall” in the main upper lobby, one of the many special features in the multiple lobbies and public areas that provide comfortable, open, and relaxing spaces. A fireplace with a view of the Healing Garden from large picture windows makes significant use of calming natural light. Art in a variety of forms is an integral part of Anchor Health Properties vision for transforming the healthcare environment for consumers, and was utilized in the Hazleton Health & Wellness Center to accentuate both public and private spaces and enhance the total customer experience.

One of the major benefits of the new Hazleton Health & Wellness Center for both GHHA and the region is the enhancement of the environment for the existing team of physicians, while attracting new physicians to the community.

“It’s refreshing for physicians to see a different approach being taken, and they want to be a part of a progressive organization that is moving forward aggressively,” said Edwards. “In addition, it builds our competitive advantage by increasing our market share as well as our financial performance. Like many healthcare systems, we’ve experienced the loss of customers and revenue to niche providers ‘off campus.’ This proactive approach, building a new outpatient facility, provides all our customer needs under one roof.”

The strategic location for the center is a critical component to the success of its operations. The site is in an area of new residential and commercial growth in Hazleton and has easy access to major roadways and interstate highways. Anchor Health Properties chose the property, which is located on Airport Road across from a Wal-Mart and other major retailers.

About Anchor Health Properties:
Founded in 1985 as a developer of innovative and exciting retail centers, Anchor Health Properties has evolved into a national firm devoted exclusively to the development of medical and healthcare facilities. The company’s projects help providers redefine the way they deliver healthcare, creating positive healthcare experiences for the consumer and a competitive edge for the provider. Additional information about the company is available at http://www.anchorhealthproperties.com/.

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Phone: 215-564-1122