The Whitehall community has been in need of more availability at the Whitehall Health Center and there may be a possible solution coming. Hudson Headwaters Health Network, located in Queensbury, is bringing a mobile van to the area.
However, there have been a few bumps in the road, causing delays in the van’s arrival.
“The town has done what we are supposed to do, we put power and everything in for them at the playground. (I) met with them and they’re supposed to be there,” said town supervisor John Rozell.
Rozell then brought up that because of the proximity to Rutland Regional Medical Center, the plans have been put on delay.
“Everything is on hold because the Rutland hospital has to sign a waiver for them to come in and, I’m not sure how it works I could be speaking out of my range, but I guess there’s a circle around Rutland Regional Medical Center where Hudson Headwaters has to have them sign off to allow them to come in that range,” he said. “Rutland hospital will not do that.”
Rozell mentioned that in turn for that happening, Hudson Headwaters is looking for an alternate way to get the van to Whitehall for community members.
“I guess, it’s federally okay where it will bypass Vermont State’s Rutland Regional,” Rozell said.
According to the Hudson Headwaters Health Network’s website, the mobile van will be able to offer patients in Whitehall a multitude of medical examinations and testing. Community relations manager Jane Hooper did not respond for comment by press time.
A press release from May 25, 2021 comments on the van’s ability to serve the public.
“According to Hudson Headwaters CEO Dr. Tucker Slingerland, mobile health is the network’s latest mission-driven initiative to expand its access to care. It is very fitting that, at the beginning of Hudson Headwaters’ 40th year, we move forward with this innovative care delivery model,” he said. “The same high-quality care that communities have come to expect at our health centers is now on wheel.”
The van operates on an appointment-only basis. Types of appointment offered by the mobile heath unit are primary care visits for adults and children, women’s health services, chronic disease management and preventive health screenings. There are also same-day appointments possible for those who are injured or have a fast on-setting illness.
“They don’t know when they will get the okay, it’s in litigation and the lawyers’ hands again. So, as of this point, I don’t have a date. It was supposed to be the end of June and the town has signed the contract with them, the only thing left to do is put in a water spigot for them,” Rozell said.
