Salem Health’s Boulder Creek Medical Clinic in South Salem is set to close its doors on November 14, 2023, following the sale of the building to new owners. This transition will impact nearly 4,000 patients and five healthcare providers who have been delivering essential primary care services since the clinic’s inception in December 2019.
The Closure and Its Implications
The Boulder Creek clinic, located at 2485 12th St. S.E., has served the South Salem community, offering not just primary care but also hosting a specialty pain clinic, which recently ceased operations on September 30, 2023. This move was influenced by changes in federal regulations that lifted certain restrictions on primary care providers’ ability to prescribe opioids—an important consideration given the clinic’s previous focus on pain management.
According to Salem Health’s spokeswoman, Lisa Wood, patients received notifications regarding the closure in late September. They now face the option to either follow their current providers to nearby Salem Health clinics or seek alternative care options. Dr. Jerrod Mitzel is relocating to the Skyline Village clinic, while Dr. Blake McConnell will move to the Dallas clinic. Nursing staff and physician assistants will transition to the Keizer and Skyline Village clinics.
Background on Salem Health
Salem Health operates eight primary care clinics and 17 specialty clinics throughout Marion and Polk counties. As a critical healthcare provider in these regions, they play a significant role in ensuring accessible medical services for the community. The closure of Boulder Creek Medical Clinic represents a significant change in this landscape.
The New Phase for Boulder Creek’s Facilities
The building that currently houses the Boulder Creek clinic has been sold to Capital Neurosurgery Specialists for $7 million, with plans to open their new clinic in early 2026. This new facility aims to expand neurosurgical care in the area, with Capital Neurosurgery expressing intentions to leverage the increased space for more exam rooms, which will enable them to accommodate a growing patient base. The administrator of the newly appointed clinic, Heather Born, noted this expansion as an opportunity to enhance patient convenience and address an increasing demand for neurosurgical services in the region.
Impact on Patients and Healthcare Providers
For the patients of the Boulder Creek clinic, the upcoming transition leaves many with uncertainty. While there is an effort to ensure continuity of care by providing options to follow their providers, the relocation could pose challenges for those who have established relationships with their healthcare professionals in South Salem. Given the size of the patient population impacted, Salem Health’s proactive communication regarding the relocation is crucial for facilitating a smooth transition for both patients and providers.
Furthermore, the closure of the pain clinic—one aspect of the Boulder Creek Medical Clinic—raises questions about the availability of specialized pain management services in the area. With the evolving nature of pain management and the shift towards integrating services under primary care, patients who relied on these services may need to adapt to new care paradigms.
Community and Future Considerations
As the community comes to terms with the closure, it’s important to reflect on how such changes affect local healthcare access. The closure of a clinic with a significant number of patients can lead to increased pressure on other facilities. As existing clinics like skyline Village and Dallas prepare to accommodate new patients, maintaining quality and timely care will be pivotal.
Looking ahead, the new ownership of the Boulder Creek site promises to bring a different kind of healthcare service to the community. While the neurosurgical focus may fulfill a specific healthcare need, it’s essential that other primary care and specialized services remain accessible to ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage for all residents.
Conclusion
The impending closure of Salem Health’s Boulder Creek Medical Clinic underscores the fluid nature of healthcare services, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities faced by health organizations in managing transitions effectively. As caregivers and patients navigate this significant change, it will be essential for Salem Health to provide continued support and communication to ensure that all patients’ needs are met during this period of transition. The future holds promise with the arrival of Capital Neurosurgery, but the importance of access to primary care services remains paramount for the community of South Salem.
As stakeholders engage in discussions about local healthcare needs, there is a renewed emphasis on adaptability and collaboration to meet the diverse needs of the population. This is a crucial moment for community health, underscoring the continuing dialogue about how best to serve patients and providers alike in an ever-evolving landscape.
