Amc Holds Open House for New Tupper Lake Services

Betty Little

August 31, 2010

New Health Center, Renovated Resident Wing, Dialysis Center,
And New Physical Rehabilitation Services Featured


SARANAC LAKE – The public was invited to an Open House ceremony for a first-hand look at the improvements and new services Adirondack Medical Center has brought to the community of Tupper Lake and beyond.

In addition to a newly constructed health center and renovated residential space at its skilled nursing facility, AMC now offers dialysis treatment at AMC-Mercy, one of only a few long-term care facilities in the state to offer the life-saving treatment.

An Open House ceremony was held at the Tupper Lake Medical Office Building on Thursday, Aug. 26, followed by guided tours through the facility and AMC-Mercy.  State Sen. Elizabeth “Betty” Little was on hand for the ceremonial ribbon cutting, in addition to other local elected officials and community leaders.  Sen. Little was instrumental in securing critical funding for the Tupper Lake renovation project, and a plaque now hangs in the entrance of the Medical Office Building in recognition of her commitment to a strong health care presence in the Tri-Lakes region.

The investment in improving health care services in Tupper Lake led to the construction of a new Medical Office Building, which includes the health center and medical imaging and laboratory services.  The space is also occupied by private physician practices.  Across the street at AMC-Mercy, the skilled nursing resident rooms and living spaces were completely renovated.  In addition, a new space was created for physical rehabilitation services offered by AMC in Tupper Lake, which also includes short-term physical rehabilitation.  Short-term rehabilitation is an inpatient program designed to help people get back to their independent level of function following serious illness, injury or surgery.  

In a ceremony prior to the ribbon cutting, Chandler Ralph, President and CEO of AMC, introduced the health center’s Assistant Medical Director, Majeed Siddiqui, M.D., and the health center’s new pediatrician, Darci Beiras, M.D.

“This is a great day for Tupper Lake and the surrounding communities,” said Ms. Ralph.  “It is our honor to be able to reinvest and improve upon the many health care services upon which this community relies.”

“All of the building though would be as nothing without the staff to operate it and to make sure the patients and their families are treated promptly and with compassion,” said Dr. Siddiqui.  “As assistant medical director, I am here as well to make sure our patients and their families are treated with the courtesy and kindness they deserve.”

“The Medical Office Building and the AMC-Mercy skilled nursing home are tremendous assets improving the quality of life for young families, those in need of emergency care and those needing long-term care as they age,” said Sen. Little.  “You never know when you’ll need medical help, so these facilities are reassuring for local residents as well as tourists and visitors who may spend a few days or a few weeks in the Tupper Lake area. Working with Chandler Ralph, the Board of Trustees, our health care professionals and the community has been my pleasure.”

In addition to the funding secured by Sen. Little, a very successful $1.3 million fundraising campaign received support from the Tri-Lakes community and AMC family.  The balance of the Tupper Lake project was funded through financing.

In addition to Tupper Lake, AMC offers primary care services in Keene and Lake Placid, and long term care at AMC-Uihlein in Lake Placid.  For more information about the programs and services at AMC, log onto WWW.AMCCARES.ORG.