Council approves one‑year TTUHSC infectious‑disease physician contract for intermediary clinic

The Lubbock City Council approved March 25 a one‑year contract with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) to provide an infectious‑disease physician to the city’s intermediary care clinic.

Catherine Wells, director of the health department, told the council the contract supplements existing family‑medicine physician services at the intermediary clinic by adding an infectious‑disease specialist who can both see infectious‑disease patients and fill general practitioner coverage when needed. Wells said the arrangement allows the clinic to maintain continuity of care for patients transitioning from hospital care to a primary care provider.

Councilman Glasheen opposed the contract, arguing the proposed position would be funded with ARPA one‑time funds and could create a recurring obligation once the ARPA money is exhausted. He also said the community already has infectious‑disease expertise at TTUHSC and questioned whether the city should expand clinic staff on a continuing basis. Supporters on the council said the contract is a time‑limited work order for one year and that TTUHSC can bill for services provided.

City Manager Jared clarified that the ARPA funds for this contract are from public‑health ARPA allocations separate from other ARPA project pots. Councilman Collins moved approval; Councilman Roosevelt seconded. The motion carried on a 5‑1 vote.

The contract is limited to one year and, according to Wells, is intended to fill existing budgeted clinic hours and provide short‑term infectious‑disease coverage during a regional uptick in infectious conditions. The council did not adopt any change to the clinic’s ongoing structure or staffing policy beyond authorizing this time‑limited contract.