Cherokee Nation health official reports rapid workforce growth, expands same-day services

Brian Hill, representing Cherokee Nation Health Services, told the Cherokee Nation Health Committee that the health system has seen rapid hiring and is expanding same-day clinical services.

"We've seen significant growth ... headcount increase by over 66 new positions in the last month. 454 over the last year. So we've seen significant growth in our workforce, like a 200% growth versus the same time last year," Hill said, noting a recent hiring event produced stronger-than-expected turnout.

Hill described the same-day service model as an alternative to emergency-department visits: "One of the ideas behind the same day service is to provide options for people, besides just going to the emergency department ... We offer that 5 days a week," he said. On hours and access he added, "Typically, it's 8 to 5 ... Both [scheduled slots] and drop ins."

Why it matters: the committee heard the staffing increases while Cherokee Nation opens or expands facilities in Claremore and at Hastings, and leaders framed same-day care as a way to reduce emergency-department visits and improve access to timely care.

Councilors asked follow-up questions about scheduling and access. Councilor Kendra McGady asked Hill to confirm exact hours at each location; Hill said he would provide that information to the council. The report contained no budgetary breakdowns or detailed staffing plans in the meeting record.