Mercy Health System is considering opening a medical office in Warren County in 2013, officials announced last week. An expansion plan was unveiled during a community roundtable held last Wednesday, February 29, at Wright City Middle School that was attended by dozens of community leaders. Among the Mercy officials attending last week’s meeting were Lynn Britton, Mercy CEO and president; Jeff Johnston, Mercy Hospital St. Louis president; Terri McLain, Mercy Hospital Washington president; and Don Kalicak, Tri-County office vice president. Mercy officials said they are considering opening a “convenient care” facility in Warrenton in the middle of 2013 as part of expanding services in the tri-county region, which consists of Warren, Lincoln and St. Charles counties. Initially, the office would likely be manned by a nurse practitioner who would collaborate with physicians in Wentzville or other offices. Mercy officials said their intention would be to expand the Warrenton office sometime in the future.  Mercy also plans to open a similar “convenient care” facility in Troy in 2013, officials said. Last week’s meeting was the first discussion by Mercy to identify medical needs of local residents. Some of the local concerns raised last week focused on the need for physicians and specialized services to be available closer to home, having local offices offer expanded hours, and helping elderly and low-income residents with medical services.  A common complaint expressed at the meeting was that residents have to drive a great distance to obtain medical care.  Mercy leaders said it is a priority to expand and enhance services throughout the tri-county area. “One thing I got was confirmation of the idea of us providing convenient care,” Kalicak said. “It’s very beneficial. We heard that people want convenient care, not only primary care doctors, but also specialists. There is a desire that makes total sense. “Our idea to launch (a Warren County office) in the middle of 2013 is feasible.” Mercy currently has nine medical offices in St. Charles County that offer a wide array of services including primary, pediatric, outpatient and urgent care. This year alone, the company plans to lease a building and open a medical office housing four primary care physicians in Wentzville, along with constructing a new facility on Zumbehl Road in St. Charles. In addition to the proposed Warrenton and Troy offices, Mercy opening three additional medical facilities in 2013 on Mid Rivers Drive at the Page Extension, Highway K and N, and at Winghaven. As part of the expansion, Mercy is in the process of recruiting physicians and specialists to meet future needs. Community leaders, who consisted of some local elected and school officials who attended last Wednesday’s roundtable, were pleased to learn about Mercy’s possible expansion into the county. “I am very impressed that they are looking north of the (Missouri) River, Southern District Commissioner Hubie Kluesner said. “I think convenient care would be well received. You could have a nurse practitioner and have the ability of highly trained doctors.” Northern District Commissioner Dan Hampson added: “Expanded services are much needed, just from my own personal view. There are times we would have like to go to an urgent care.” Michelle Schlenther, Warrenton economic development director, was glad that Mercy sought input from the community and was able to hear of needs expressed from local residents. “It is very exciting for our community to hopefully have urgent care or something open after hours for our residents,” she said. “We are exited to have additional businesses open here. It’s nice knowing we are on their radar and they are concerned with what we want.” Mercy officials have been holding roundtable discussion throughout communities where it serves in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas. The company, the eighth largest Catholic health care system in the nation, operates 31 hospitals and more than 200 outpatient facilities.