In a rural community, the value of a local healthcare system is measured, in part, by two things: minutes saved and miles avoided. For South Monterey County residents, Mee Memorial Healthcare System provides a vital local service, reducing the need to drive long distances for care.
Local resident, business owner and former board member Janet Buttgereit constantly hears from friends who have to sacrifice half a day of work or family time for an MRI, mammogram or X-ray. What many don’t realize is that Mee Memorial has quietly revolutionized this experience by building a robust, comprehensive, state-of-the-art ED, diagnostic imaging and laboratory hub right here in King City.
“Mee Memorial regularly accommodates patients with same-day or next-day appointments,” noted Janet. “For routine needs, there are no endless delays, just swift, courteous care. Our hospital also has an asset many locals may not be aware of: a dedicated helipad, which allows flight crews to land directly at the hospital to transport patients quickly to a trauma center.”
For Terry and Randy Lewis, this local efficiency became a lifeline during a crisis. Randy was diagnosed with kidney cancer and referred to Stanford for treatment. However, before Stanford would accept the referral, they required specific, high-level diagnostic imaging. Terry and Randy began calling facilities up and down the Peninsula. The answer was the same everywhere: a grueling, anxious wait to get the scan.
When they called Mee Memorial, the response was immediate. Instead of waiting weeks, the hospital’s Imaging Center got Randy in the very next day.
“Mee gets it done,” Terry says. “The Diagnostic Imaging department is a real treasure. It’s a game changer to have a timely, friendly, helpful, professional resource in our community.”
A while later, Terry broke her wrist. Her orthopedic surgeon wanted to operate the next week, but needed imaging first. Once again, she faced a long waitlist. Terry called Mee Memorial and had her scan exactly one hour later.
“Our doctors did not know that Mee Memorial had such professional imaging services,” Terry notes. “Save the wait and extra trips to the Peninsula. If you need imaging, get it at Mee Memorial.”
Voices of South County is a continuing series from Mee Memorial Healthcare System highlighting local stories about healthcare in South Monterey County.
