Fitzsimmons settling in as new hospital doctor

Staff Report "This is a sensational time to be associated with the opening of the North Platte Valley Medical Center," said Dr. Brendan Fitzsimmons, new medical director for the NPVMC. "It's exciting to see all the pieces coming together." Fitzsimmons officially took the reins November 1 and has been overseeing the Platte Valley Clinic and Saratoga Care Center while finishing touches are put on the hospital. He will supervise medical aspects of the transition of the Clinic and Care Center to the new building when it is complete. "The staff wasted no time in making me feel at home and I've been seeing a fair number of patients every day and starting to get to know the people of the Valley," Fitzsimmons said. "I have had bit of a learning curve with a new Electronic Health Records (EHR) system and developing a new referral network, but everyone is keeping me pointed in the right direction and I hope I can take more of the weight off Ruby's back where she's been the only provider in the clinic." Fitzsimmons shares patient care responsibilities with Nurse Practitioner Ruby Ayres. Dr. Fitzsimmons said he and his wife are settling into their new home, sightseeing the Valley, going to church and "sampling the rich culinary culture of Saratoga." "I am really looking forward to seeing more of what the area has to offer and enjoying the Christmas season's festivities," he said. Community members will have an opportunity to meet and talk with Dr. Fitzsimmons at the Hospital Roundtable scheduled for 5:30-7:30 p.m., December 13, at the Platte Valley Community Center.