At the edge of Glacier National Park, the North Valley West Glacier Clinic is on the front line of injuries and sudden illness to help stabilize and provide quick medical treatment for unexpected events.
The North Valley Hospital emergency department nurse practitioners and physician assistants triage and care for patients with a skill learned in their fast-paced, patient-centered environment. The board certified staff include Cathy Love, FNP; Amy Nightengale, FNP; Kelley Price, PA-C; and Tim Seymour, PA-C.
The clinic provides care for patients who don’t necessarily need an emergency department for their health care needs. The staff also is available to stabilize and arrange for transfers for more serious illnesses and injuries. Digital imaging equipment is available, allowing for images to be sent to the attending medical staff for consult on diagnosis of fractures, sprains and other orthopedic injuries. In addition, a fully equipped CLIA-certified lab is available on site.
The clinic isn’t just for vacationers of Glacier National Park and its surrounding communities; it’s also available for residents. Similar to a family medicine practice, it offers diagnosis and treatment for cold and flu symptoms, infections, burns and minor cuts requiring stitches.
“We are excited to offer a clinic near Glacier National Park,” said North Valley Hospital CEO Jason Spring. “The area businesses, employees and tourists have all expressed a great deal of gratitude for us having fulfilled this community need. It has been a real partnership with the residents and business owner’s support to make this happen.”
The West Glacier Clinic opened in 2010 after community requests for North Valley Hospital to extend its services to have an urgent care presence during the summer months in West Glacier. Meeting that need, the hospital has served 963 people to date, which further demonstrates that the clinic is a perfect fit for the community.
In the winter during ski season, NVH operates an urgent care clinic at Whitefish Mountain Resort to provide similar services to residents and vacationers. The two seasonal clinics share staff and equipment between the facilities.
Insurance is accepted, and the clinic can bill all Canadian travel insurance providers directly. In addition, the clinic is Canada Certified to accept Canadian Interact PIN debit cards. No appointments are necessary as this is an urgent care clinic. If follow-up is required, the staff at the West Glacier Clinic will coordinate care with your regular physician.
The North Valley West Glacier Clinic is located at 100 Rea Road in West Glacier, just outside the west entrance to Glacier National Park. Hours are every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Call 888-9924.
Naomi Morrison is the community relations coordinator for North Valley Hospital