Seasonal clinics there to assist

North Valley Hospital operates seasonal clinics to support our local, seasonal and tourist population in the Flathead Valley. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the West Glacier Clinic operates near Glacier National Park to serve visitors, residents, and seasonal employees.

“We have good community partnerships to provide care to people without requiring them to travel into town for medical care,” explains Pam Albrite, seasonal clinic supervisor.

The clinic opened in 2010 and sees an average of 350 to 400 patients during the summer.

“Half the patients we see have injuries, and about half experience concerns like dehydration, skin conditions, colds, etc.,” Albrite mentions.

West Glacier Clinic supports people staying in various areas near the park, or recreating in or around Glacier National Park in addition to area residents.

“It can take up an entire day of your vacation to go into town to see a doctor, so we can save people time and make it a little more convenient to deal with healthcare, based on the seriousness of their condition,” says Albrite.

North Valley Hospital supports a seasonal clinic in the winter as well. The Base Lodge Clinic at Whitefish Mountain Resort partners with Big Mountain Ski Patrol to offer continued care to skiers and visitors. The clinic works closely with employees, visitors, and area residents to save them a trip into town depending on the condition.

The seasonal clinic team includes board certified physician assistants, nurse practitioners and radiology technicians. The team functions under the medical direction of Dr. Jeffrey Westensee, a board certified Emergency Department Physician at North Valley Hospital.

Albrite explains, “We stabilize and arrange for transfers for more serious injuries or issues like cardiac emergencies, so that patients can travel to the emergency room via ambulance or helicopter. This can promote better outcomes and improve the overall quality of their experience.”

West Glacier Clinic offers treatment for the following, minor illness and injury, skin rashes, skin infections, or insect bites, cold or flu symptoms, ear, sinus or upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, sprains, strains, and fractures, lacerations and minor burns.

North Valley Hospital’s seasonal clinics on Big Mountain and in West Glacier are fully equipped urgent care clinics that accept all major insurance and there’s no appointment necessary. “If you do have a need for care, remember that a clinic is available and convenient.”

Allison Linville handles community relations for North Valley Hospital.