Updated June 14 at 2:45 p.m. to include statements made by Baylor Scott & White Health Marble Falls CEO to Community Impact Newspaper about site of proposed facility.
Published June 13 at 1:44 p.m.
Baylor Scott & White Health announced today it may open a medical clinic in Spicewood.
A news release cited a partnership between the Central Texas health care company and
Thomas Ranch, a 2,200-acre master-planned community set to be built off West Hwy. 71 and Paleface Ranch Road in Spicewood.
"We are honored to have been selected by Thomas Ranch as the medical provider of choice for residents in the Spicewood area," said Tim Ols, president and CEO of Baylor Scott & White Marble Falls Specialty Clinic and Hospital, in the release.
The western Travis County and eastern Burnet County area “is currently designated as a Medically Underserved Area by the United States Department of Health and Human Services,” the release provided.
“The goal of the partnership is to work together to formulate a solution that brings comprehensive health care to Spicewood-area residents,” the release stated. “A detailed review of the area's current and future medical requirements is now underway and may result in a Baylor Scott & White Health clinic in the Spicewood area during the 2018-19 timeframe.”
Ols told
Community Impact Newspaper that Thomas Ranch would be the site for a proposed medical facility that would "more than likely include primary care services and some specialists as well," such as family medicine physicians, internal medicine physicians and pediatricians.
Although the time frame for a project is "to be determined" and its structure will be based on the results of a review of the area's medical needs, Ols said the facility will likely be planned in 2018 and implemented, or constructed, in 2019.
Property owner Ralph Thomas said the partnership may spur additional news for the area.
"I have been carefully formulating my thoughts for this property, and this partnership is an important step forward as Baylor Scott & White Health is also firmly committed to serving the area,” Thomas said in the release. “As the development progresses, additional strategic partnerships will be announced that will help meet the needs of the growing Spicewood community."