A unique opportunity for great special-needs care as Morgan’s MAC and University Health combine forces

University Health celebrated today with Morgan’s MAC (Multi-Assistance Center) the creation of a successful new outpatient surgery center designed for patients with special needs and disabilities.

Patients with special needs from throughout South Texas are now able to get multiple health care services in a surgery center designed to be inclusive and accessible at Morgan’s MAC, which provides comprehensive and coordinated services using a family-centered approach.

“The University Health Surgery Center at Morgan’s MAC is yet another unique addition designed to help those with special needs and disabilities and thus improve their health and well-being,” said Gordon Hartman, Founder and Board Chair of Morgan’s. “It’s the first such center in the San Antonio and surrounding area to specialize in outpatient surgical procedures for individuals with cognitive and physical special needs. We believe our collaboration with University Health will be a game-changer for those who previously didn’t have access to this type of vital medical and dental surgical procedures.”

Services will include dentistry, ophthalmology, ENT, general pediatric surgery, orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, urology, hand specialists, podiatry and gynecology in a facility at 5210 Thousand Oaks Drive, adjacent to the award-winning Morgan’s Wonderland, Morgan’s Inspiration Island and Morgan’s Sports.

“This is an innovative partnership that we hope can be a model for other health systems in the country,” said University Health President and CEO Ed Banos. “Many medical procedures, even a simple dental cleaning, may cause overwhelming anxiety for a child or adult with autism or other special needs. Our team has the tools and training to make this a positive experience.”

“The surgery center makes it possible for individuals of all ages, including our MAC Members, to undergo surgical procedures in an inviting, fully inclusive space. While most hospitals find it difficult to accommodate for time and capacity, this surgical center is built to address those challenges,” said Morgan’s MAC President Sandy Ethridge.

“Oftentimes such procedures for those with special needs require more time to complete. Emphasis at the center will be on a calming approach to help people obtain the medical treatments they need, particularly treatments necessitating anesthesia,” said Dr. Brent Fields, Morgan’s CEO.

Gentle white noise, friendly colors and natural light all combine to create a more relaxing environment. Everyone who works at the surgical center is there to serve an underrepresented population, and participate in inclusion training provided through Morgan’s.

“Our patients have a better experience in a place where all staff are attuned to their needs,” said Dr. Ian Mitchell, Surgeon in Chief, Pediatrics at University Health, medical director of the surgery center and an assistant professor with UT Health San Antonio. “Whether it’s placing an IV or emerging from anesthesia, it will be much less traumatic.”

“Another plus is convenience and consistency. If patients already have providers based elsewhere, they still have the opportunity to get multiple services in the same place,” Mitchell said. “The credentialing structure at the surgery center will allow different qualified providers from all over our region to practice there,” he said.

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