New Medical Clinic slated for Stockton
from the Stockton Sentinel  4/22/2010

The City of Stockton approved the building of a new medical clinic in Stockton, hopefully returning the practice of two full-time physicians living and working within the city for the first time in 18 years.   The new clinic will replace the smaller, outdated clinic located at 623 S. 2nd.

"Only 25% of the Stockton population currently have their health needs met in Stockton due to lack of providers on a full-time basis," explained Kathy Ramsay, Executive Director of the Rooks County Healthcare Foundation.  "If residents continue to go outside the county for health care services, tax dollars go with them.   It is vitally important for Stockton to have health care services available to recruit new businesses and citizens to the area."

The new 6,000 square foot medical office building will house three medical providers with additional space for rotating medical specialist such as cardiologists, urologist and orthopedic staff.   Once open, the new clinic is estimated to serve four to five times as many patients as it does currently.

"Lack of full-time medical providers for a community of Stockton's size leads to over-utilization of the emergency room system and a lack of timely health care, which creates a ripple effect throughout the hospital system," continued Ramsay.  "Genny Robben-Rahjes, RN Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner has served the area well the past 15 years.   Genny needs assistance meeting the health demands of the city and the surrounding areas of Stockton."

Dr. Daniel Sanchez, M.D., and Dr. Lynn Fisher, M.D. also provide half-day services at the current clinic.   Ramsay explained that this is all the doctors have been capable of providing within the existing space.   The new clinic will allow them to expand their services.

According to Ramsay, two doctors are being recruited to begin their practices in August 2011 at the new clinic.  "We have 100% verbal commitment from one and are currently working on a formal contract with her.   Witnessing a community come together to build a new facility will make recruiting physicians much easier," said Ramsay.

The clinic is estimated to cost $1 to $1.5 million.  The Rooks County Healthcare Foundation, in partnership with the Stockton Building Commission, is spearheading a capital campaign to raise the needed funds through multiple channels including tax credits, foundation gifts, grants and support from corporations as well as individuals.  Robben-Rahjes and her husband, Leonard, have already committed to donating the funds necessary to purchase the land for the clinic.