Hendrick Health System plans to build three new urgent care clinics, two in Abilene, one in Brownwood, at a total cost of $10 million, officials said Monday.
The health care system celebrated with groundbreakings in both cities, representatives from Abilene Christian University, the hospital system itself, and a slew of others braving a windy morning to turn earth at 820 E. Ambler Ave. Monday.
The other Abilene location will be at 4424 Buffalo Gap Road.
Brownwood's clinic will be at 400 East Commerce St.
All three clinics, under the Hendrick Urgent Care branding, will provide "fast, convenient medical treatment for injuries and illnesses, ranging from broken bones and cuts to ear infections and coughs," according to a news release.
"It never fails – you don’t get sick until after your doctor’s office has closed for the day or for the weekend," said Brad Holland, Hendrick Health System's CEO and president. "Our clinics will provide low-cost, walk-in care for life’s unexpected illnesses and accidents.”
The facilities are scheduled to open spring 2021.
More: Closed Long John Silver's being demolished, making way for Hendrick clinic
Area of opportunity
Holland said that the clinics were an "area of opportunity" that he recognized early in his tenure, and started in many respects "even before I got here."
"I told them on day one that I saw this as a gap and a need," he said.
Larry Smith, chairman of Hendrick Health System's board, said that the facilities fill that gap in Hendrick's service offerings, also establishing a valuable continuum of care for patients.
Each Hendrick Urgent Care unit will be a 3,500 square-foot facility, with five exam rooms, a large procedure room, on-site X-ray services and on-site lab services.
They will also feature occupational health services including Department of Transportation exams, mask fittings, drug screens, breath tests, etc.
Other amenities include large waiting areas, a designated children's waiting area, and online appointment check-in and registration.
The clinic's electronic medical record system will connect to other Hendrick Health Care System sites.
No delay due to COVID
There was no talk of delaying the projects due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Holland said.
Hendrick started around the Great Depression, and expanded even in the midst of the financial crisis of 2008, he said.
"And so it's only fitting that we do a groundbreaking during a pandemic," he said. "It demonstrates again the long-term focus of Hendrick. It's not focused on next month. It's not focused on next quarter. It's focused on the residents of the Big Country and the future."
In fact, the pandemic "strengthened the concern and the need" for such care, Holland said after the meeting, showing a need for urgent care available on weekends and holidays.
“Our urgent care clinics are just another way we are caring for patients when they need it and where they need it,” Holland said.
ACU connection on Ambler
The clinic on Ambler will be part of Abilene Christian University's Allen Ridge "lifestyle village."
Dr. Phil Schubert, president of ACU, said that Hendrick would have a "foundational presence" in the project.
"We've been interested for a number of years in really enhancing the entryway into Abilene, down Ambler Boulevard (and) into our great city," he said.
Hendrick's presence will do a "tremendous amount to further that vision of creating a great entryway into the city and providing the services for our community that we all need," Schubert said.
Jack Rich, ACU's chief investment officer, said he wore "two hats" related to the projects, the first related to his role at the university, the second as president of the Development Corporation of Abilene's board.
The facility on Ambler will serve the community, as well as ACU faculty and staff, he said.
"The investment in Abilene by Hendrick at a time of medical crisis is a bold statement," Rich said. "... For Abilene to prosper, we need to be attractive as a place to live and to work. We must feel that we have access to high-quality health care and high-quality services."
Brian Bethel covers city and county government and general news for the Abilene Reporter-News. If you appreciate locally driven news, you can support local journalists with a digital subscription to ReporterNews.com.
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