The moment you enter the building you notice a difference.

The freshly painted walls. The new carpeting and furniture. The comfortable fresh plants that add a softening touch to the green and burgundy hues in the waiting room.

"There were people who told us that it could never be done – that there would never be a first rate medical facility in a town the size of Hughson," stated Jim Austin, a registered nurse and clinic manager of the Hughson Medical Office. "Well, take a look now. It's a great testimony to the community coming together to make something great happen."

And it is something great for the community. The facilities at the former Hughson Medical Office were so cramped that it was hard to accommodate the many new patients trying to make appointments from the community. While high quality medical care was always guaranteed, the facilities themselves were becoming dated and inhibited growth.

According to Hughson Medical Director Gary Pickell, M.D., "We had been in our old location for almost twenty years and had seen tremendous growth. Our patient load doubled in the last four years alone and it was definitely time for a change."

Medical office staff currently handle over 14,000 patient visits each year. This number is projected to grow to nearly 18,000 in 1999.

The planning process for the new Hughson Medical Office started back in 1996 when clinic staff began working with the local community residents to identify health needs and plan services for the new location. Then came the opportunity for partnership with the United Samaritans Foundation in the 3rd Street redevelopment and the birth of the new Hughson Medical Office became a reality. The office is staffed by two physicians and provides seven day per week service. There is an in-house laboratory as well as twelve patient exam rooms, provider offices, medical records storage, and a conference room.

Austin noted that, "In a time when you hear so much bad news, it's nice to be able to say that something great can happen. That it's still O.K. to dream."

Used by permission of The Hughson Chronicle.