A new pediatric clinic in Richland is expected to reduce travel time for Mid-Columbia families who might otherwise have to drive to Seattle for treatment.
Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center has opened Children's Tri-Cities Clinic to provide care in cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, orthopedics, pulmonary and rheumatology, said clinic manager Cheryl Ricketts.
"The goal is ... that patients can see their follow-up specialty care providers here in the Tri-Cities," Ricketts said.
"Having a child who needs specialized care is stressful enough," she said. "Hopefully this will reduce a lot of extra burden."
It's one of a handful of regional clinics owned by Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, including one in Yakima.
"We saw that there was a growing need for more pediatric specialties with (the Tri-Cities) area as the population grew," said Louise Maxwell, public relations specialist for Children's.
She expects the new clinic to have about 800 visits per year.
The clinic has three exam rooms, as well as the capability to do pediatric echocardiograms and EKGs, or electrocardiograms.
It's staffed by full-time nurses, as well as specialists who come from Seattle.
The clinic adds an extra layer of security for Angie Larson of Kennewick, whose 4-year-old son Cooper was diagnosed last year with terminal brainstem cancer.
"For emergencies, having a Children's clinic ... puts me at ease a little bit more," she said. "You're dealing with someone who specializes in children."
Seattle Children's specialists likely will provide education to local health care providers as well, Ricketts said.
"That is the hope ... that specialty doctors can not only see patients, but provide education to the community as well," she said.
The clinic is at 969 Stevens Way, Suite 1B. For more information, call 946-0976.
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