Addressing the Healthcare Gap in Sahuarita: NextCare Urgent Care’s Role and Impact

In recent years, Sahuarita faced a notable gap in immediate healthcare services with the closure of the lone urgent care facility in the area in 2021, followed by the shutdown of Santa Cruz Valley Regional Hospital in the summer of 2022. However, a shift in this narrative occurred with the inauguration of NextCare Urgent Care at The Crossing at Sahuarita (Sprouts plaza) on Nov. 21, 2023.

Closure of Healthcare Facilities in Sahuarita: A Growing Gap in Services

Northwest Hospital shutting down its urgent care on Duval Mine Road in 2021, despite its over decade-long operation, left a void in healthcare accessibility. This closure coincided with the opening of Northwest’s Sahuarita hospital in 2020, equipped with an Emergency Room (ER). Unfortunately, the closure of the urgent care left residents grappling with limited immediate medical attention.

The initially planned MedPost Urgent Care at The Crossing at Sahuarita faced an unexpected halt during construction in 2019, a decision attributed to corporate choices rather than market conditions, according to Sahuarita spokesperson Hailee Tavoian. This unexpected turn left the community without a crucial healthcare facility, fostering an evident need for urgent care services.

NextCare Urgent Care’s Arrival: Bridging the Gap in Sahuarita’s Healthcare

The arrival of NextCare Urgent Care marked a turning point in Sahuarita’s healthcare landscape. The establishment of this facility at The Crossing at Sahuarita filled the void left by previous closures, offering immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening yet urgent medical needs.

Expanded Healthcare Services: NextCare’s Offerings and Community Impact

Diane Vandenberghe, NextCare’s Southern Arizona operations manager, highlighted the comprehensive range of services provided. Beyond treating ailments like respiratory infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs), they conduct rapid testing and administer sports physicals—a crucial service for the community’s younger population. The diverse healthcare needs of Sahuarita, spanning from geriatric care to family medicine, find coverage in the services offered by NextCare.

This site becomes the 13th NextCare facility in the vicinity, emphasizing the company’s commitment to expanding accessible healthcare services. With existing centers in Tucson and Nogales, the addition of this location in Sahuarita signifies a step towards addressing the regional healthcare gap.

Challenges and Growth: NextCare’s Journey in Sahuarita

Despite witnessing a steady flow of patients since its inception, NextCare experienced initial challenges with long wait times. Vandenberghe acknowledged the unexpected volume of patients and the resulting staffing constraints. However, they remain optimistic about addressing these issues by recruiting more staff and expanding operational hours, aiming to provide improved services to the Sahuarita community.

Future Prospects: NextCare’s Commitment to Sahuarita’s Health

Operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, NextCare is already contemplating extending its weekend hours to cater to the community’s healthcare needs effectively. Vandenberghe emphasized their dedication to serving Sahuarita and expressed a commitment to evolving their services to meet the demands and expectations of the local populace.

In conclusion, the establishment of NextCare Urgent Care at The Crossing at Sahuarita signifies a significant milestone in bridging the healthcare gap in the region. Despite initial challenges, the facility’s commitment to expansion and improvement reflects its dedication to fulfilling the urgent medical needs of the Sahuarita community.