Zearing Economic Development Corporation
Zearing Medical Clinic Expansion
Access to reliable, quality healthcare is simply not just a convenience. For many Americans, the need is absolutely crucial. This need, however, is not just confined to people living in cities; for those living in small and rural communities, access to healthcare often times requires a lengthy car drive to the closest medical center.
We feel Zearing is extremely fortunate because we do have a fully staffed local medical clinic. Although the clinic is only eight years old, they are at a crossroads. Tremendous growth from both Zearing and several surrounding communities has caused the clinic to simply outgrow its current facility.
In 1995, Story County Medical Center made a commitment to provide medical services in the Zearing area. As a federally designated medically underserved area, the goal has been to provide quality comprehensive health care close to home. Originally staffed by a Family Nurse Practitioner during morning hours only, the Zearing Medical Clinic has gradually expanded their services to a full-time clinic with a health care provider available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
Since the opening of the clinic, they have increased staffing levels from 1.0 FTE's to a current level of 3.0 FTE's. This includes a full-time Family Nurse Practitioner, receptionist, and office assistant, all of which are local residents of the community
This building project is expected to result in additional employment. Zearing Medical Clinic anticipates adding at least one more Family Nurse Practitioner, probably in a part-time capacity at 0.5 FTE's. The addition of an additional provider will also necessitate the need for further support staff at 1.0 FTE's. The analysis of clinic use is ongoing, and increased staffing will be considered and added as their growth allows.
In addition to staffing, Zearing Medical Clinic sees a need to provide a higher quality of care though the physical structure itself. The clinic currently finds it difficult to provide the level of care they wish to provide within their current facility. In an area with a combined space of less than 1700 square feet, their continued growth over the past several years has left them with little space for medical supplies, patient records, and workspace.
The hallways of the present facility do not allow for quick movement of emergency equipment to a patient room, such as an ambulance cot. The exam rooms are inadequate to properly serve wheel chair bound individuals. Although the clinic receives adequate reviews on several inspections, concerns have been noted regarding the physical structure of the facility, particularly in terms of the fire code.
A new physical structure would remedy the above issues. Such a structure would allow Zearing Medical Clinic to provide a more efficient, attractive, and accessible clinic to Zearing and surrounding communities. In addition, the clinic hopes to compliment their services with a small pharmacy. The logistics of this operation are currently being discussed with an existing licensed pharmacy. This service would be something new to the community, and a welcome addition, since the nearest pharmacy is at least 20 minutes away.
The new facility, which will be located in downtown Zearing, will consist of approximately 2500 square feet of space. This will allow for four exam rooms, one of which will be larger to accommodate wheel chair bound individuals and ambulance cots. In addition, there will be increased office space, reception/waiting, and areas for several new services.