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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Contra Costa County's ability to provide after-hours, non-emergency medical care in West County is getting a boost with a $1 million contribution from John Muir Health.

The funds will help Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) offer expanded evening and weekend care at the new West County Health Center scheduled to open in about two months in San Pablo. The additional hours will provide a timely and convenient source of care to people who need to be the seen the same day but don't require a trip to an emergency department, which is intended for and best equipped to handle life-threatening injuries. This allows CCHS to effectively partner with Doctors Medical Center in San Pablo, said CCHS Director Dr. William Walker.

"This very generous contribution from John Muir Health allows the county to partner with Doctors Medical Center, which meets most of the emergency department needs for the region. This creates a new way to provide more appropriate care in a way that will reduce the demand for costly repeat visits to the emergency department," Dr. Walker said.

The West County Health Center is one of eight health centers operated by CCHS and will replace the aging Richmond Health Center. In addition to its enhanced same day medical care services, the West County Health Center will offer primary and specialty care, along with well-baby visits, immunizations and other critical services. John Muir Health President and Chief Executive Officer Cal Knight said the health center provides vital services to the community.

"John Muir Health is fully committed to making health care more accessible to all, especially those who are uninsured, underinsured or have limited access to health care services," Knight said. "We are actively engaged with our partners to develop a sustainable health care model that addresses the needs of West County residents."

CCHS' Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers Chief Executive Officer Anna Roth said the same day care model is a proven way to provide better care at lower costs.

"Our goal is to create a medical hub that provides the most appropriate services, in the most appropriate settings, for the most people possible," she said. "We will be working closely with Doctors Medical Center to develop the program and assess its effectiveness."

A grand opening for the new West County Health Center is planned for September 4. For more information on the health center, visit www.cchealth.org/topics/west_county_center/

Follow CCHS on Twitter: @CoCoHealth or Facebook: Contra Costa Health Services.

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