Pediatric Expansion Plans Set for High Plains Health Center

Expansion plans for the pediatric department are getting closer to fruition. Eric Niemeyer, Executive Director of the High Plains Community Health Center said the Clinic’s board decided last year that the department needed more space as Dr. Figlio gave up his office to become an examination room.  “We have plans from our architect and have hired a contractor and we expect to announce a ground breaking event in the next several weeks.”  Niemeyer said the expansion will allow 2,000 more square feet of space to be added to the building just south of the High Plains Clinic which also serves as the dental clinic.  He estimated construction would take from four to six months and the expansion could allow for another pediatric provider to join the Clinic.  He estimated the cost at $1M and the project would combine the dental waiting room with the one for pediatrics.

“We’re fully staffed right now with approximately 115 employees and we’re expecting to have our new physician arrive in the next several weeks,” Niemeyer explained, during a routine meeting with the Prowers County Commissioners. Niemeyer said the physician is in family practice as a Doctor of Osteopathy and hails from Denver, “As a matter of fact, he graduated from the same college as our Dr. Hudson,” he explained.  He added that the new doctor will be working under a five year contract and a press release for his hiring would be forthcoming.

Niemeyer added that the Clinic is always searching for medical assistants for the providers, or for health coaches, as the assistant’s positions have some turnover. “We’re also seeking a behavioral therapist at the moment.

On another funding note, the executive director told the commissioners, the Clinic is working on its three-year funding cycle for $1.5M and their federal grant renewal application is currently underway. The commissioners said they would review a letter of support in aid of the grant.  Niemeyer explained, “With this grant, the community will gain another $1.5 million they ordinarily would not realize.”

By Russ Baldwin