Health District to open Spanish Valley clinic

The San Juan Health Service District plans to open a clinic in Spanish Valley in northern San Juan County. Health District CEO Phil Lowe outlined the plan at the June 21 meeting of the San Juan County Commission.
Lowe reports that in the past six months, San Juan Hospital in Monticello has had 800 patients from the northern San Juan County area, including Spanish Valley and La Sal. This includes 25 new OB patients for Dr. Curtis Black and Dr. Mahana Fisher.
The health district has identified a building and plans to open a clinic in Spanish Valley. Lowe reports that monthly rent for the building is $750. The building will require some refurbishing, but Lowe reports that potential revenue from the area may exceed $1 million per year.
Lowe also reported an increase in patients to San Juan Hospital from the Dove Creek area.
Overall, Lowe reports that visits to the emergency room at San Juan Hospital dropped by 55 percent in the past year. This is due, in large part, to the opening of Blue Mountain Hospital in Blanding.