What we know
In recent years, the district launched its seven-year Healthcare Equity Plan—a nearly $700 million initiative to invest in more direct care methods and clinics.
This initiative comes as Central Health has faced ongoing scrutiny over its use of funding and the actual number of patients being treated.
Historically, the district has utilized outside medical providers to administer clinical services, such as Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin and Ascension Texas.
However, the healthcare agency has indicated a pivot towards a more direct approach with in-house clinical services.
Central Health opened its first permanent specialty clinic at the Rosewood-Zaragosa center in East Austin in August, with plans to open another two by the end of 2024.
This year’s budget approval advances the hospital district’s expansion initiative, also including the new Hancock clinic and headquarters.
Looking ahead
Taking over the former Sears department store building, the new Central Health Hancock clinic with feature 196,000 square feet of clinical and administrative space, spread between three floors, according to an email from Central Health.
The ground floor will house the Central Health Specialty Care and CommUnityCare Primary Care services which includes dental. This floor will also provide room for imaging, laboratory and pharmacy services.
The remaining floors, one above and one below, will be transformed into the new administrative headquarters for Central Health, its clinical service partner CommUnityCare and nonprofit health insurance partner Sendero.
The lower level will also include meeting rooms for both Central Health and CommUnityCare board meetings and public functions.
Renovations are currently underway, with completion expected by Spring 2027. The project is budgeted at roughly $150.7 million.
