Local, Accessible Resources — from cancer technology not available elsewhere in New England, to regional health centers and outpatient care centers, Backus Hospital is committed to keeping vital resources accessible.

Caregiver's View

By continuing to enhance our array of healthcare offerings beyond the walls of the hospital,we are bringing newfound hope to patients with a variety of medical conditions, whether it is arthritis, diabetes or even the common cold.

From our continued additions to the Backus Outpatient Care Center in Norwich to our walk-in health centers in Colchester,Gales Ferry and Montville, it's all part of a strategic initiative to make healthcare resources accessible in the communities we serve.

The need is obviously there. Even before the new Arthritis Center at the Backus Outpatient Care Center is completed,we are seeing an increase of approximately 60 new patients per month.

The Backus Health Centers in Colchester,Gales Ferry and Montville experienced an overall 4 percent increase in visits over last year,with our Gales Ferry location showing the highest growth. Also, to accommodate demand for blood draws,we extended our hours at the Colchester Backus Health Center to Saturday mornings. The Colchester location offers primary care, sick care and a variety of diagnostic imaging services, and is open Saturday and Sundays for walk-ins.

Why the increases? Probably a combination of a number of factors, including an aging baby boomer population seeking high-quality, compassionate care in convenient locations.

The Backus Outpatient Care Center, which is easily accessible off Interstate 395, has blossomed into a state-of-the-art medical center. The 57,000-square-foot former department store now includes an Arthritis Center; Rheumatology; Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Center;Wound Care Center; hyperbaric oxygen chambers; an ostomy clinic; physical,occupational and speech therapy; a lab drawing station; anticoagulation clinic; and more.

Our physicians and clinical staff are working hard to help those suffering with chronic pain,wounds, diabetes, and other conditions. We are examining ways to accommodate patients faster and have recently added a second rheumatologist to our Arthritis Center, Harjinder Chowdhary,MD.

Under the direction of our Arthritis Center's Medical Director, Sandeep Varma,MD,we are treating rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, lupus and musculoskeletal problems. We also offer specialized treatment for a range of conditions including scleroderma, lupus, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Leslie Domalik,MD, has assumed the role of Medical Director at the Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Center, and continues to maintain our commitment to chronic disease management.