Andalusia Regional Hospital has announced its affiliation with the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Gulf Breeze, Fla.

Mark Dooley, CEO of Andalusia Regional Hospital, said the affiliation means that physicians and clinicians at the Andrews Institute will be available to assist and consult with the orthopedic surgeons and other physicians on Andalusia Regional Hospital’s medical staff. ARH patients who have serious injuries that require them to leave the local health care community will be assured priority appointments and assessments, Dooley said.

“The affiliation will enhance the quality and breadth of musculoskeletal care provided in the south Alabama region and will enhance the access of patients to the unique services of Andrews Institute,” Dooley said.

“Andalusia Regional will continue to provide the same level of orthopedic care our community has come to know and trust. This will give our physicians and patients access to some of the top specialists for care we do not provide here. It is a tremendous enhancement to orthopedics for our service area.”

The Andrews Institute provides care under the leadership of renowned orthopaedic surgeon James Andrews, MD. Dr. Andrews is recognized throughout the world for his scientific and clinical research contributions in knee, shoulder and elbow injuries and for his skill as an orthopedic surgeon. He is also known as physician to some of sport’s greatest professional athletes.

A 127,000-square-foot, two-building complex, the Andrews Institute provides convenience and improved continuum of care for patients. Services at the Institute include state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, outpatient surgery and physician consultations.

“I think this is one of the most significant advances that we have seen at Andalusia Regional Hospital,” Dooley said. “This partnership will allow us to tap into the vast expertise offered by the Andrews Institute and will provide convenient access for our patients to orthopedic and musculoskeletal care that ranks with the best in the world.”