VIDALIA, La. – A group of specialty doctors detailed plans on Tuesday to construct a four-part health care center along the Vidalia Riverfront Development.

Dr. Rus Fairbanks told aldermen that Twin Oaks Holdings plans to break ground on its clinic, that will house ambulatory services, physical therapy, imaging and specialty services, next month – after architectural plans are completed by the end of this month.

Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland said the town is &uot;thrilled&uot;&160;to have such a partner and is excited about this industry choosing Vidalia.

&uot;This is a tremendous honor,&uot; Copeland said. &uot;We are honored to have this business, company and industry in Vidalia.

&uot;It’s something we can be proud of,&uot; he continued. &uot;Something we’ve been waiting on for a long time.&uot;

Fairbanks said – once up and running – the integrated health care center will attract other specialty physicians to the area, because the business will already have roots in the community.

&uot;New doctors won’t have to hire a staff, find land or buy out a practice like I did,&uot; he said. &uot;It will be so much easier for them.&uot;

The ambulatory surgical department will be housed in the two-story facility’s south end and, once fully operation, will hold three operating rooms, several pre- and post-surgical beds and private family counseling offices.

The imaging department, Fairbanks said, will offer top-of-the line technology, including digital mammography, which was only approved by the FDA last year. &uot;This department will be on the cutting edge of technology,&uot; he said.

He said the department will deal with General Electric for its imaging needs, and will offer CT&160;scans and MRIs.

Using a PACS, or Picture Archiving Communications System, Riverpark Medical Center will not rely on expensive X-Ray film, but use a huge computer base in Chicago to archive images, making them more easily accessible to patients and doctors.

In the short term, Fairbanks said the clinic is nearing final financial negotiations, and expects to have final blue prints drawn by the end of the month.

He said the foundation should be laid by December, and he hopes the facility will be open this time next year.