Check out 4 hospital updates in Hays County

While no formal expansion plans have been announced, hospital leaders said additional facility upgrades, particularly to the emergency department, are being considered for the near future.

• Address: 6001 Kyle Parkway, Kyle
• Website: www.healthcare.ascension.org

Baylor Scott & White-Buda Medical Center

With a specialty in joint replacements and a passion for health equity, Dr. Jordan Handcox is helping reshape how underrepresented patients experience orthopedic care at Baylor Scott & White in Buda.

An orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacements, Handcox is one of about 150 Black female orthopedic surgeons nationwide and one of only nine fellowship-trained in joint replacements.

Handcox said she aims to improve access to joint care for underrepresented populations and hopes to build greater trust in the medical system. She noted that Baylor Scott & White started using robotic surgery and hopes to bring the technology to the Buda location.

The hospital recently added a mobile Positron Emission Tomography, or PET, and Computed Tomography, or CT, scanner, according to a news release. The PET/CT scanner is available every Friday, to help reduce travel and wait times for patients in southern Travis and Hays counties, according to a news release. The scanner offers high-resolution imaging for patients undergoing cancer treatment planning, including for prostate cancer.

The unit is on-site every Friday and supports patients who have a cancer diagnosis and are undergoing treatment planning.

The scanner can detect a range of cancers and helps patients avoid traveling to Austin or Round Rock for high-resolution imaging, officials said in the release, noting that patients must be referred by a physician to receive a scan.

• Address: 5330 Overpass Road, Buda
• Website: www.bswhealth.com/locations/hospital/buda

Christus Santa Rosa Hospital-San Marcos

Christus Santa Rosa Hospital–San Marcos has seen several updates in recent months.

In May, the hospital earned an “A” grade—the highest possible rating—for health care safety from The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization that grades U.S. hospitals based on their ability to prevent medical errors and patient harm. This marks the fifth “A” the hospital has received, according to a news release.

In March, Christus Health expanded its footprint in the San Marcos area with the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of a new urgent care clinic. The facility offers patients an alternative care option by providing prompt medical attention for minor emergency health concerns.

Also in Hays County, Christus Trinity Clinic in Wimberley expanded its hours and is now open on Saturdays, offering increased access to care for the surrounding community, according to the release.

• Address: 1301 Wonder World Drive, San Marcos
• Website: www.christushealth.org/locations/santa-rosa-hospital-san-marcos