CVMSAC meets to discuss future of medical clinic

The Crescent Valley Medical Services Advisory Committee (CVMSAC) discussed the future of the Crescent Valley clinic on Tuesday, March 25. Approximately 16 concerned residents gathered at the Crescent Valley Town Center to voice their fears about the stability of their local healthcare services.

The meeting, attended by CVMSAC members, county officials and EMS personnel, was dominated by discussions surrounding the clinic’s budget, provider Nik Hirschi’s contract with William Bee Ririe Hospital and the viability of maintaining current services.

Public comment highlighted the community’s deep concerns. County Commissioner Mike Schoenwald read emails from residents Pam Harrington and Julie LeLoup, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing resident health and maintaining a fully functioning clinic. Forest Anderson expressed frustration, urging the county to take immediate action to secure the clinic’s future. Guy Lemke and Holly Davis shared personal experiences, praising Nik Hirschi, APRN, and stressing the clinic’s crucial role in rural healthcare access.

“It’s nice to be able to go in to talk to someone who’s only a block away,” Davis said. “It is a resource that’s much needed.” 

CVMSAC Vice Chair Laura Shivers clarified that the committee’s aim is to improve, not eliminate, medical services. 

“We are an advisory committee, and our goal is not to get rid of the clinic or get rid of any of the medical services in our valley,” Shivers said. “Our goal is to do it better. We have been searching for ideas and yet this is the biggest turnout for any of our meetings.”

Member Nicholas Collins presented a detailed overview of the challenges facing the clinic, highlighting the contract with William Bee Ririe, which provides for a provider two days a week and a medical assistant three days a week.

Collins pointed out the limited services offered, the high cost of repairing the x-ray machine (estimated at over $100,000) and the loss of lab services due to failed state inspections. He also noted the low patient volume, with Crescent Valley seeing significantly fewer patients than the Eureka clinic.

A significant point of concern was the possibility of William Bee Ririe pulling out of the contract due to the challenges of managing a remote clinic. 

Collins revealed that other hospitals have also declined to take on the clinic’s management due to its remote location and low patient numbers.

Collins noted that Eureka has two or three providers who saw 421 patients in October, 308 in November, 331 in December, 369 in January and 350 in February. This is in comparison to Crescent Valley where, in October, Hirschi saw 21 patients. In November he saw five. In December he saw 13. In January he saw 22 and in February, 18.

In the event William Bee Ririe withdraws, the committee is exploring alternative solutions. Options include maintaining the current contract with William Bee Ririe, contracting with Hirschi himself for expanded services at a higher cost, seeking a new provider or establishing a transportation service to external healthcare facilities. In an interview with The Sentinel, Hirschi emphasized that while the current arrangement offers stability, his proposal aims to enhance local services, whereas exploring new providers introduces uncertainties, and a transportation-only solution poses significant risks and liabilities.

Hirschi addressed the complexities of his contract with William Bee Ririe and the challenges he faces in providing services. He stated that he has been fighting to provide care and has been told the committee is seeking to replace him. He also expressed concerns over the proposed transportation solution, citing potential risks during severe winter weather.

The committee stressed the urgency of finding a solution. They emphasized the need for community input and collaboration to ensure continued access to healthcare in Crescent Valley.

Hirschi elaborated in a Facebook post, which has ignited more community discussion. He said the current contract between Eureka County and William Bee Ririe Hospital is set to expire on June 30. Both parties have the option not to renew, prompting CVMAC to explore alternative service providers.

The next County Commission meeting on April 1 is expected to be crucial in determining the clinic’s future.