A teddy bear clinic? Too cute!

Bandaging Teddy’s boo-boos is just part of the fun awaiting families this Saturday, as WakeMed Garner Healthplex celebrates its grand opening, bringing new health services to the Garner community.

The fun begins at 8:30 a.m., with a dedication and free pancake breakfast. Then come tours of the facility, live music and up-close looks at emergency vehicles include WakeMed Air Mobile.

In addition to the teddy bear clinic, kids will enjoy crafts, games, and a visit from Twinkle, the WakeMed Children’s mascot.

The WakeMed Garner Healthplex officially opens for patient care next Monday, Aug. 19.

Cary Magazine enjoyed a sneak peek and ribbon cutting for the WakeMed system’s seventh full-service emergency department on Tuesday, and we can tell you it's wonderful — there’s even a hand-painted, wrap-around wall mural representing Garner’s Main Street and White Deer Park.

“The Garner community has been most gracious, extending its arms to us since day one,” said Carolyn Knaup, senior vice president of Ambulatory Services & Physician Operations for WakeMed. “It’s wonderful to have this kind of partnership.”

The facility features a 24/7 emergency department; full lab services; and diagnostic imaging including all-digital X-ray, ultrasound and CT scans, available to outpatients too.

And WakeMed’s Mobile Air operations are permanently based at the new Garner facility, complete with helipad.

“Speaking as an emergency physician, we’re fortunate to see the WakeMed network of services grow,” said Dr. Erik Manring of Wake Emergency Physicians and medical director for the Garner Healthplex. “You can count on us to deliver the same high level of care here in Garner.”

Dr. Bill Atkinson, WakeMed president and CEO, added: “This facility is here to serve anyone who needs help. We staff out emergency centers with the best of the best, and these strong, competent crews will change the picture of emergency care here, forever.” 

Come September, the 50,000-square-foot healthplex will also be home to multiple physician practices including Wake Specialty Physicians-Garner Primary Care; Wake Specialty Physicians-ENT; and WakeMed Faculty Physicians-Carolina Cardiology.

Healthplex services are backed by WakeMed’s Level I Trauma Center and WakeMed Children’s in Raleigh.

WakeMed Garner Healthplex Grand Opening Celebration

Saturday, Aug. 17

8:30 to 11:30 a.m.