Allegheny Health Network’s state-of-the-art facility planned for The Pointe at North Fayette, includes a comprehensive Center for Reproductive Medicine, behavioral health services, primary care, and diagnostic imaging, among other programs.-THE POINTE-
By Elizabeth Perry
Plans for a medical facility at the Pointe at North Fayette Shopping Center are slower going than initially promised.
The Allegheny Health Network (AHN) announced construction on the $70 million, 68,000-square-foot medical pavilion at the former Main Event/Latitude 360 building at 200 Quinn Drive in October of 2021. Initially, construction was to be completed in late 2022.
That is now being pushed to early 2023 according to Stephanie Waite, a communications advisor with AHN. Waite said there were no specific issues involved with the delay, just “construction taking a little longer than expected.”
In the initial press release announcing the project, a center for reproductive medicine was the centerpiece of the plan, described as a “one-stop shop for women and couples seeking reproductive medicine services.” All the appointments, diagnosis and fertility assistance would be performed at the pavilion, along with routine gynecological appointments. The site is scheduled to include a behavioral health clinic practice specializing in treating postpartum depression and mental health issues dealing with infertility.
Despite the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 case that ensured reproductive rights for women in the United States, the fertility clinic plans remain unchanged at this time, said Candace Herrington, strategic communications advisor with AHN.
Highmark released a statement after the decision was made:
“As Highmark Health evaluates the myriad of implications of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, we remain committed to working with federal officials, state policymakers, employer partners, and local health care leaders to respond to this changing landscape and provide coverage options that best meet the needs of health plan members, patients, and team members across our footprint on a state-by-state basis.” The statement goes on to say the company will work, “within the letter of the law.”
The medical facility will also provide primary care and express care with extended hours, which would be a convenience for residents who live nearby. Patients would also have access locally to a range of specialists.
Cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, neurology, rheumatology, pain medicine, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, bariatric surgery, and orthopedic surgery including foot and ankle doctors would be located in the same place.
Heritage Valley Health Center expanded in the Robinson area in 2018 at the former Office Max site. That medical facility also includes primary care and a walk-in clinic, along with some specialists, but does not have the same focus on reproductive health.