The Tri-Cities continues to be one of the fastest growing areas in the state, so it shouldn't surprise anyone that health services was the second-fastest growing segment of the Tri-City economy in 2009, right behind K-12 public schools.

As Kennewick's hometown hospital, built by and for the community to ensure local access to high quality, affordable health care where we live, Kennewick General Hospital is committed to serving and growing with the community.

Here are highlights of actions KGH is taking to fulfill our mission to provide the highest level of quality health care to our community as an independent, not-for-profit, public hospital district.

Recruitment of quality physicians

In 2009, KGH brought a total of 21 primary care physicians and specialists on board, increasing the quality of care and services KGH provides. These efforts have led to an increase of general surgeon coverage, which provides the community with coverage 24/7, and the creation of a comprehensive in-house anesthesiologist team composed of physicians and certified registered nurse anesthetists. This team supports our ability to meet the community's increasing surgical demands.

To meet growing health care demands, KGH this year plans to add primary care physicians as well as specialists in neurology, pediatrics, hematology/oncology, endocrinology and anesthesiology.

The recent and upcoming additions to our medical staff support an environment of continuous care and provide the community with an integrated physician network.

Diagnostic imaging

KGH opened its new $1.7 million Cath Lab and Interventional Radiology Suite in December 2009. The combination of the two provides integrated and continuous care for patients in addition to new procedures. With this state-of-the-art technology, KGH is able to provide the best care to its patients with some of the most sophisticated and advanced systems in southeastern Washington.

Joint Replacement Center opens

Early this year we opened our Joint Replacement Center, which provides a dedicated area for the care of knee and hip replacement patients. Our comprehensive approach to care brings together surgeons, nurses, therapists and technicians to provide seamless and coordinated care.

Building a network of clinics

KGH has opened nine physician clinics with more than 60 providers located throughout the community. KGH believes that by taking health care providers to the various corners of the community, we are able to increase patients' access to the care they need.

Building for the future

KGH believes the most cost-effective and efficient way to deliver the highest level of quality health care services is by a three-campus model with integrated physician practices. The campuses include:

-- The Auburn Campus, which houses our hospital as well as the expanded and updated Family Birth Center and provides maternity and pediatric services as well as urgent care and outpatient diagnostic testing. We see this campus growing to a dedicated women's and children's campus.

-- The Medical Mall offers ambulatory services, physician practices, outpatient surgery, as well as OP imaging, a GI center and pharmacy.

-- The Southridge Campus will complete the three-campus approach, providing critical care, medical and surgical beds, short-stay beds, emergency department, operating rooms, diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, physician practices, and centralized lab and administrative services. We are working with HUD officials to address all potential issues with the financing, as we continue with the development of the project.

Strong operational performance

KGH last year maintained its strong operational performance, posting all-time high numbers for admissions, emergency room and clinic visits, patient days and radiology procedures -- all indicators of the increase in demand for KGH services. Financially, it posted a net profit of $4.3 million, one of its best years ever.