St. Charles Health System is set to enhance safety and well-being at Mt. Bachelor ski resort this winter, establishing a crucial urgent medical care clinic on-site. This significant partnership aims to provide immediate, high-quality healthcare services directly to skiers, snowboarders, and staff, ensuring a quicker response to injuries and illnesses that can occur on the slopes of the Pacific Northwest’s premier ski area.
Staffed by experienced providers from St. Charles Urgent Care clinics, the new St. Charles Mountain Clinic will operate within the ski patrol building in the West Village area. The clinic’s operational schedule is set for Fridays through Sundays, as well as on all major holidays, aligning with the periods of highest activity at the popular ski resort. This strategic placement offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility for anyone requiring prompt medical attention while enjoying their winter sports activities.
Mt. Bachelor has a long-standing history of providing on-mountain medical support, with medical care services available for the past three decades. Previously, these vital services were were delivered by Summit Health, known earlier as Summit Medical Center. The transition to St. Charles Health System marks a new chapter, promising a seamless continuation and potential enhancement of the emergency medical services available at the high-altitude recreation area.
While St. Charles Health System has confirmed the undeniable need for accessible health services at the ski area, the precise scope of these offerings beyond urgent care and imaging is still being refined. Collaborative discussions between the St. Charles and Mt. Bachelor teams will continue in the months leading up to the ski season, aiming to finalize the comprehensive service levels, staffing requirements, and overall operational framework for the clinic, focusing on optimal winter sports safety.
Historically, the on-site clinic has effectively treated a range of common ski and snowboard-related injuries, including sprains, fractures, and minor cuts, alongside general illnesses. The facility has also been equipped with essential diagnostic tools, such as digital x-ray equipment, providing immediate imaging capabilities for potential bone injuries. This capability significantly reduces the need for immediate off-mountain travel for initial assessments, proving invaluable when the mountain gets the better of you.
Dr. Steve Gordon, President and CEO of St. Charles Health System, expressed enthusiasm for this evolving community collaboration. He highlighted the long-standing coordination between local clinicians and the region’s dedicated first responders, including the intrepid ski patrol. The partnership with Mt. Bachelor, a renowned destination in the Pacific Northwest, represents an exciting opportunity to build upon existing foundations and deliver integrated health solutions where they are most needed during the busy ski season.
Mt. Bachelor boasts an expansive 4,323 acres of lift-accessible terrain, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The ski area’s ownership, Powdr Corp., a Utah-based corporation that has managed the resort since 2001, recently opted to retain the resort following a period of consideration. Despite previous local efforts to organize a community buyout, the corporation’s decision reinforces the stability and future investment in this significant regional asset, impacting local economic and social landscapes.
John Merriman, Mt. Bachelor General Manager and President, conveyed appreciation for the previous collaboration with Summit Medical Group and articulated excitement for the new alliance with St. Charles. He emphasized the goal of providing seamless service for guests who may require follow-up care or continued medical attention. This focus on integrated patient pathways underscores the commitment of both organizations to deliver a superior and safe experience for all visitors to the popular ski resort clinic.
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