Northwest Texas Healthcare System (NWTHS) has released a statement regarding the ongoing "intermittent closures" of its freestanding emergency departments (FEDs), which has raised concerns among local residents seeking emergency care. The closures are attributed to issues with NES, the contract provider for emergency services at the facilities.
In a public statement, NWTHS explained that NES has been unable to meet its staffing requirements, leading to temporary shutdowns at the two existing freestanding emergency departments—one in Southeastern Amarillo and the other at Town Square. The closures have disrupted access to emergency services, prompting NWTHS to direct patients to the hospital’s main emergency department for care.
"It is unfortunate that NES, the contract provider for Emergency Services, has been unable to meet its coverage requirements, resulting in intermittent closures of our Freestanding Emergency Departments (FEDs)," the statement said. "As this situation is being addressed, patients needing emergency care may come to the hospital's main emergency department."
The hospital system clarified that the issues with staffing are related to a payroll dispute between NES and its physicians, who are independent contractors, not employees of NWTHS. "As previously stated, NWTHS does not employ the physicians nor pay the salaries of the physicians that are involved in this pay issue with their employer," the statement read. "We became aware of a payroll issue with the contractor provider and we continue to assist with this unfortunate situation."
While NWTHS is not directly involved in the dispute, it expressed continued support for the physicians affected by the issue. "We appreciate the expertise, talents, and dedication of the independent physicians who provide care to patients at our hospital and will do all possible to ensure that access to quality care is maintained by NWTHS."
The current closures impact two of the four planned freestanding emergency departments in Amarillo. NWTHS had planned to expand its network of FEDs, with two additional locations scheduled to open in 2025 in the Eastern and Tascosa areas.
For now, NWTHS is urging residents to seek emergency care at the main hospital's emergency department if they encounter a closure at one of the freestanding locations.
"We are committed to resolving this issue quickly and will continue to work diligently with our contractor to ensure that patient care remains uninterrupted," the statement concluded. "We thank the community for their patience and understanding as we navigate this challenge."
The situation remains under review, with NWTHS promising further updates as new developments occur. In the meantime, patients are encouraged to monitor the hospital's website and local news outlets for the latest information regarding the availability of emergency services at the freestanding locations.
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