The abrupt closure of two freestanding emergency clinics in Amarillo has raised alarm among healthcare professionals and community members alike. The facilities, located on Georgia and Town Square on Hillside, ceased operations on Wednesday amid ongoing pay disputes, leaving local residents scrambling for alternatives to critical care.
Emergency physicians Dr. Frederick Poage and Dr. David Pearson, who were interviewed by High Plains Pundit, highlighted the profound impact the closures are having on the community. The doctors revealed they have not received paychecks for seven weeks, prompting the decision to shut down the clinics.
Strain on Community Healthcare
Between the two locations, the clinics served approximately 150 patients daily, with the number expected to rise to 180 during the busy holiday season, according to Dr. Poage. The closures not only displace these patients but also significantly increase pressure on other local healthcare facilities, particularly the main emergency department at Northwest Texas Healthcare System (NWTHS).
Dr. Pearson recounted the heartbreaking scenes that unfolded after the initial closure:
"The first time we walked out after not getting paid for September, I noticed patients showing up in the parking lot after we already closed the doors. It just gives you a sick feeling in your stomach," he said. "You’re there to help, and now the buildings are closed. That’s what we do, that’s why we have this job."
Impact on Healthcare Workers
The closures have also dealt a severe financial blow to clinic staff, including nurses, lab technicians, and medical technologists. Dr. Poage shared a poignant story about a nurse practitioner on his team:
"She called me in tears last night because she’s literally not going to be able to pay for her mortgage next week. We have not been paid for seven weeks, and we’re being told we’re not going to get paid for November as well."
While some staff members have been reassigned to other departments at NWTHS, others are being forced to deplete their paid time off (PTO) or face uncertain futures.
Corporate Disputes at the Core
The crisis stems from a dispute between Northwest’s third-party contractor, NES, and NWTHS. From October 1 to November 20, NES reportedly violated its terms by failing to meet the coverage requirements, leaving physicians unpaid and the clinics unsustainable.
In a statement issued Friday afternoon, NWTHS and its parent company, Universal Health Services (UHS), emphasized that the doctors involved are not employed directly by NWTHS:
"The status of the physician provider contract is still pending resolution. Although these locations are closed, emergency care is still accessible at the main hospital emergency department."
Urgency for Resolution
Dr. Pearson stressed the need for swift action, calling on decision-makers to prioritize the community’s needs.
"A lot of the decision-makers don’t live in this community or see firsthand what’s happening," he said. "If we could ask them to do something, it would be to support the community. That’s what we’re ultimately here for."
Doctors underscored the importance of ongoing negotiations to resolve the pay disputes and restore critical healthcare services. Without a resolution, Amarillo residents may face prolonged strain on emergency care access, especially during the holiday season, when demand typically surges.
Community Impact
For patients, healthcare workers, and their families, the closures are more than just an inconvenience—they are a disruption to livelihoods and access to life-saving care. As negotiations continue, the Amarillo community is left waiting and hoping for a resolution that ensures stability in its healthcare system.
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