By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY The township now has a health care center to call its own.
St. Peters Urgent Care Center, located at the main plaza of the Village Shopper III complex in Skillman, opened yesterday. The center, run by the New Brunswick St. Peters Healthcare System, is for children and adults and will be open 365 days a year.
The center offers a variety of services such as strep throat, blood sugar and flu testing, general blood work, suturing and radiology services. It is designed to treat sudden or urgent ailments such as minor cuts, bruises, minor sports injuries, colds, coughs, fevers, asthma, back pain and sore throats.
”We’re looking to provide a specific service to the community, we’re not trying to be their primary physician,” said St. Peters chief strategy officer Frank DiSanzo. “The goal is to provide efficient, convenient and affordable urgent care for both adults and children for that surrounding area.”
The project started a year ago when former mayor Mark Caliguire, community leaders and St. Peters Board members and physicians from the Montgomery area, approached St. Peters. They thought there was a void in the area because of the departure of the Princeton hospital to Plainsboro that needed to be filled by an institution.
”It wasn’t driven by one person, it was an overall outcry for services,” said Mr. DiSanzo. “There was an outpouring of communication when Princeton announced their departure.”
Bill King of King’s Interests LLC, who owns the Village Shopper III, found out through Mayor Caliguire about St. Peters and sought to welcome them into his complex.
”It was a good idea to have some of those services in our center,” Mr. King said. “St. Peters was the best fit because we are a very family oriented community.”
”It’s very comprehensive,” he said. “It looks terrific. They have done a wonderful job.”
The St. Peters Urgent Care Center is implementing a “soft opening” meaning all services will be offered, but without any heavy advertising due to factors such as continuing construction. Residents can expect a public relations campaign about the center later this month.
But Montgomerites are already happy.
”This is a very big deal for the town, especially since Princeton Hospital is moving to the other side of Route 1 and will be much less accessible,” said Committeeman Ed Trzaska. “I would like to thank the owner of Village Shopper III, Bill King and St. Peters for making this a reality. They are providing a tremendous service to Montgomery.”
Mr. DiSanzo described the community feedback as positive and is excited to work with Montgomery residents.
”We want to serve this community where there is a demonstrated need and to be good neighbors,” Mr. DiSanzo said. “It’s an opportunity for our health care system to put its best foot forward and familiarize the community with our services and vice versa. It’s two way sharing.”
