Pawhuska clinic closing raises care concerns

Pawhuska clinic closing raises care concerns for residents

The Pawhuska clinic closing raises care concerns as one of only two medical clinics in the community prepares to shut down.

The Ascension clinic in Pawhuska is set to close on June 30, leaving many patients searching for new providers, according to Ascension St. John clinic closure statement.

The closure is expected to impact access to care across Osage County, particularly for residents who rely on nearby services.

Pawhuska clinic closing raises care concerns for elderly patients

The Pawhuska clinic closing raises care concerns especially for elderly and mobility-limited patients.

Local pharmacist Lori Hamburger says many residents depend on walkable access to care and may struggle to travel outside the community.

While Pawhuska does have another clinic, it is already under strain, and the Osage Nation Health Clinic serves only eligible Native patients, as outlined in Osage Nation Health Services information.

The local hospital is also currently short a provider, adding to concerns about appointment availability.

Pawhuska clinic closing raises care concerns as transition begins

The Pawhuska clinic closing raises care concerns as healthcare officials begin planning next steps.

Ascension says patients will be contacted in the coming months to coordinate a transition of care and avoid disruption.

For many residents, the clinic’s closure marks the end of a long-standing provider relationship that has served generations, according to rural healthcare access data from the National Rural Health Association.

The shutdown is expected to leave a noticeable gap in local healthcare services.

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