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Westside Healthcare District reports patient growth to 30,000 encounters and plans clinic expansion and telehealth
Summary
Ryan Schultz, executive director of Westside Healthcare District, said the clinic has grown from about 16,000 encounters to over 30,000 in recent years, restored five weekday providers, implemented a new EHR and is pursuing interior expansion projects and telehealth to meet demand.
Ryan Schultz, executive director of the Westside Healthcare District, told the audience that the district's independent rural clinic (Westside Family Healthcare) has expanded access and patient volumes significantly since 2020 and is planning additional facility changes.
Schultz said the clinic now cares for more than 30,000 patients, up from around 16,000 when the new facility opened in 2020, which he said represents about an 85% increase. He reported the clinic has five healthcare providers working Monday through Friday until 9 p.m., and said retention and recruitment of licensed clinical staff remains a challenge.
To reduce wait times and improve access, Schultz said the district has begun telehealth services, implemented a new electronic health-record system to streamline registration and online check-in, and completed design and permitting for two interior construction projects to expand treatment capacity. He also said the clinic provides correctional health services under a city partnership and highlighted examples of point-of-care services such as ultrasound used in urgent circumstances.
Schultz thanked the district board, staff and community partners and said the district will continue to pursue partnerships and services that fit within its means.
