BMH Brings Expert Medical Care Closer to Home to Treat the Spine

April 7, 2008 -- (BUTLER, Pa) -- The Back and Neck Center of Butler Memorial Hospital is now open, bringing more sophisticated medical care for neck and spinal surgery, pain management and other neurological diseases to Butler County. The Back and Neck Center of BMH is located in the Butler Commons complex on New Castle Road near Target.

“We will continue to bring the best of patient care to the people of Butler County and our surrounding community,” says Ken DeFurio, President and CEO of Butler Health System. “We seek out needed services, bring the best expertise to this region and we are dedicated to providing these services in the most convenient manner possible for patients that look to us for their care.”

Patients needing the specialty of neurosurgery can receive comprehensive surgical treatment of neurological diseases and injuries in Butler from surgeons that are experienced in the treatment of all spine and neck disorders.

James Wilberger, M.D., Donald Whiting, M.D.,  and Patrick Flannagan, M.D have joined the medical staff at BMH, in partnership with current BMH staff physician Francis Ferrarro, M.D. to create the Back and Neck Center. These physicians are nationally recognized for their neurosurgical expertise and innovation in patient care at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. They are bringing that same level of care to BMH for the treatment of spinal conditions.

“We saw a need for more comprehensive neurosurgical services in Butler County with the continuing population growth of the region and the expansion plans on the horizon for Butler Health System,” says James Wilberger, M.D.. “This new program addresses the demand for these services in a convenient location for patients with lab testing, x-ray services, CT testing and MRI capabilities right next door.”

Butler patients will be able to see the doctor, have diagnostic testing done and undergo spine surgery, if necessary, all through Butler Health System. If more specialized neurosurgical care is required, patients at BHS will now have even greater access to the AGH neurosurgical department in Pittsburgh, with the additional benefits of physician follow-up visits and diagnostic services at the Back and Neck Center of BMH.