Rio Tinto Energy America, Powder River Coal Co. and Foundation Coal West, which together employ more than 3,000 at area mines, will open the clinic in July, said Bob Green, a Rio Tinto spokesman representing the Wyoming Quality Healthcare Coalition.

Green said the companies, in cooperation with CHD Meridian Healthcare, plan to “operate the health care center with a staff of licensed experienced physicians, registered nurses and support personnel.”

“The goal of the health care center is to provide primary health care, radiology, pharmacy and wellness services,” he added in a statement.

The companies were tight-lipped about how many people would be affected, saying a press release Monday would shed more light on the clinic and its operations.

This past fall, the companies discussed opening a clinic in conjunction with Campbell County Memorial Hospital. CEO Bob Morasko said that the hospital wasn’t comfortable opening a clinic exclusively for mine employees, because CCMH is a county entity with public tax support.

While the hospital rolls out its new Gillette walk-in clinic and expands the hours at its Wright facility, Morasko said the effort by the three coal companies should expand the access to primary care in the community.

“There’s a large need for primary health care in Gillette,” he said.

Source: Gillette News-Record
Original Publication Date: April 4, 2008