The Jasper Hospital District Board told 12News there's a desperate need for more health care options to meet the needs of the community.
JASPER, Texas — The Jasper Hospital District plans to open two new clinics to serve the needs of the county.
The two clinics will be opening in Jasper and Brookland, with the Jasper Hospital District Board telling 12News there's a desperate need for more health care options to meet the needs of the community.
For years, Jasper County residents have been forced to make long drives to Beaumont, Lufkin or even Shreveport for their medical needs, but Dr. Richard Pham says that's all going to change soon.
“We haven't had a new primary care physician come to Jasper in the last 20 years,” said Dr. Pham, clinical director of the Primary Care Pavilion.
The Primary Care Pavilion is one of two new clinics opening in the county in September, the other being Total Care at the Lake in Brookland.
Pham says the clinic will be a much-needed health care revival for the county.
“Primary care has been underserved and there is a dire need in the community. Patients ask us every day, 'When are you opening?'” said Dr. Pham.
The Primary Care Pavilion has a large lobby with numerous private rooms.
“We handle 95 percent of the medical issues. I'm thinking pediatrics, all vaccinations, wound care, physical exams, all kinds of primary care,” Dr. Pham said.
Dr. Ron McMurry is chairman of the Jasper Hospital District Board of Directors and said he has been a long-time advocate for primary care options in Jasper and the surrounding area.
“The pediatric clinic is already up and running. We've already employed 42 employees. And our total employee budget is about $3.1 million. PAs, receptionists, nurses, etc.,” Dr. McMurry said.
Rodney Norsworthy, Jasper Hospital District Board of Directors Vice Chairman, invites everyone to come to the J.L. Lanier Building on Friday, August 23rd to meet the new physicians.
“We're going to continue to strive to provide better service here — not just service, but better service,” Norseworthy said.
For Jasper residents, this brings efficient 24-hour care to their doorstep.
“We just can't wait for the doors to open!” said Dr. Pham.
In addition to the two new clinics opening in Jasper next month, board member James Gunter said construction will soon begin on a local pain management clinic and a dermatology clinic.
