Morgan, CMA, Krystyl, PA-C, Abbey, Phleb, MA, and Suzy, CMA are ready to see you in the new clinic building!
After weather delays, parts delays, contractor delays, and a myriad of other barriers, the Big Sandy Rural Health Clinic opened its doors to patients for the first time Monday, August 5th. The long awaited soft opening came with a few expected hiccups that morning. There were some issues with the telephones and the computer system that caused the biggest stress. Clinic Manager, Suzy Labuda, with her team Abbey Sandlin and Morgan Simpson, and providers Krystyl Kulbeck, PA-C and Heath Horton, FNP and a few other helpers on the BSMC staff all worked hard to mitigate the issues. Suzy stated, 'The priority was, and continues to be, the patients.' They were successful in keeping their eye on what truly matters in those first few days.
Despite the expected stress of moving and getting settled into the new place with many new routines, the patients who came for clinic visits had nothing but good things to say about the new building. Words like sleek, roomy, spacious, and nice were all used to describe the inside of the Rural Health Clinic. One patient shared thoughts that there should be a mural on the outside of the building. She felt the outside appearance just does not do justice to how nice the building is inside. One should never judge a book by its cover.
The clinic staff all mentioned the benefit of the added space, even laughing about how they must walk down the hall to talk to one another instead of feeling like they are walking on top of each other in the daily hustle and bustle. They also mentioned the word, peaceful. When the clinic operated out of the original building, they were the main entrance for everyone. So they saw every patient visitor, interviewee, supply rep, contractor, etc as they came and went. Being in a stand-alone building has reduced that traffic to only the patients with appointments and their families. That certainly changes the foot traffic!
Another perk they were excited about was the ability to perform what is called, point of care tests. If you come in for a clinic visit, the clinic girls are able to perform urine screenings, blood sugar tests, rapid swabs, and also draw blood for your labs right there in that building. You will still have to go to the main building if you were to need an X-ray, but blood work will be handled in your clinic room!
The Grand Opening is slated for later this fall, after all of the moving bugs have been eliminated and operations are running smooth. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience, grace, and support as we continue to grow and serve the Big Sandy community. Please call 406-378-2189 for your next clinic appointment. Whether you need annual visit, aren't feeling well, or have an injury that needs looked at we are here to serve you, the people, who are the heart of BSMC.
