Vancouver, Wash.-based PeaceHealth is relocating an urgent care center to a more central location in Eugene, Ore., as it takes steps to close a hospital in the city.
In August, the health system shared plans to close the "underutilized" Eugene University District Hospital and shift services to its Riverbend campus by early 2024.
The decision was met with backlash from Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis, who alleged the closure would violate an agreement between PeaceHealth and the city to maintain emergency care in the area. Ms. Vinis was concerned about transferring Eugene patients to the Riverbend location, located on the opposite side of the Willamette River, and asked the Oregon Health Authority to deny the hospital closure or impose restrictions on it.
PeaceHealth has since conversed with the Oregon Health Authority and found a way to maintain same-day and walk-in services for Eugene patients, James McGovern, MD, interim chief executive and chief medical officer for PeaceHealth Oregon network, said in an Oct. 10 news release.
The health system will relocate its West Eugene Urgent Care staff and clinic to a medical group building on the University District campus, less than 4 miles away. This will ensure that patients who live downtown or on campus without a car can still access care.
The move is planned for December, pending minor renovations to the medical group building. PeaceHealth is exploring other clinic options for the West Eugene facility, the release said.