Buchanan makes inaugural visit to Lakewood Ranch hospital

Congressman Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, on Wednesday met with administrators at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center to discuss potential impacts of proposed healthcare reform and other issues pertaining to the health-care industry.

Buchanan's hour-long meeting marked his first official visit to the hospital, where he met with CEO Jim Wilson and other key administrators.

"I appreciate all the hospital staff and administration do to provide area residents with access to quality health care," Buchanan said after the visit. "I will do everything I can at the federal level to address their concerns so they can continue to grow and maintain services and staff."

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].