MHHS RURAL HEALTH CLINIC UP AND RUNNING - Remodeled Facilities Helps Access

(12/06/2013)

Shown above before and after renovation
of the Rural Health Clinic nurses station

Minnie Hamilton Health System, Grantsville Operations, Rural Health Clinic opened November 18.

The Rural Health Clinic combines the previous clinics A, B and C into one location.

With 4,369 square feet, the new clinic is located in the main building adjacent to the Radiology Department. The old emergency room and maintenance shop has been newly renovated and hosts an admitting area, 13 examination rooms, two nurses stations, provider areas, and care manager space.

The plan for the Rural Health Clinic came into place following the 2013 OFLAC survey in which it was determined that all Emergency services should be separated from the clinic and all clinic services should be housed in one central area.

The first step in the process was to move the Emergency Room to a new location and this was completed and up and running in May, 2013.

The second step was to create a plan for the new clinic, receive OFLAC approval and then hire a contractor. Administration, the maintenance department and Management Information Systems worked hand in hand with the contractors to ensure the vision for the new clinic was completed to best meet the needs of our patients.

(Left) Janie Knotts, PA-C and Dr. Suresh Balasubramony, MD, at work in the new clinic

With the clinic now in one central location, the registration process has been simplified. After entering through the main doors, patients with clinic appointments will sign in at the designated location in the newly expanded lobby.

Staff will then call you to the clinic area to complete the registration process. You will then return to the lobby until called by the nurse to see your provider.

Upon completion of your visit, you will be directed to checkout and schedule any follow-up appointments needed. With the new location of the Rural Health Clinic, patients needing x-rays or lab work can expedite that process.

Nina Smith, Primary Care Nursing Director says, "Having providers and staff in one location has definitely made the delivery of health care more team-based and accessible to achieve our goal of obtaining maximized health outcomes as a patient centered medical home."

Watch for an Open House to be scheduled in the near future.