Rose Park residents get medical care — locally

Rose Park residents now have local access to a charity medical clinic.

The Richard J. Galbraith Intermountain Health Care North Temple Clinic opened last week and will serve anyone with a health need — regardless of ability to pay.

"Anyone that comes to the facility will receive care they need whether they can pay for it or not," said clinic director Terry Foust.

For patients without insurance, fees are based on a sliding scale, taking into consideration federal poverty guidelines, household income and size. Medicare, Medicaid and Primary Care Network patients can also use the facility as can patients with many insurance plans.

Many residents of the west Salt Lake City area are among the 300,000 Utahns who do not have health insurance. Foust said that because of the growing number of uninsured people in Utah, he expects the clinic to be very busy.

The clinic is located at 54 N. 800 West and is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays noon to 6 p.m. The clinic has advanced digital X-ray equipment, laboratory facilities, eight patient exam rooms and provides complete general family and urgent care.

The clinic staff can make arrangements for specialty care if needed.

For example, Foust said, if a patient comes in with chest pains the clinic will do initial diagnostics and work up and then help transport the patient to another facility.

Construction began in February after two years of planning. The clinic served its first patient Wednesday.

"I think one of the best things (about the clinic) is . . . we're at a great location that people can access through public transportation," Foust said. "When they get here they can get the treatment they need, and it's right near their neighborhoods."

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