County touts suspension of services temporary; x-ray to be installed
Robbinsville – For the second time in 2023, the doors to urgent care will be locked.
This time, the closure will last a bit longer – but Graham County has assured the pause is only temporary.
In an official letter released by the Graham County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 17, the decision to shutter Graham County Urgent Care & Family Practice was explained as a necessity, citing work required to install the new x-ray the county ordered after a bid was accepted March 21.
“The Graham County Board of Commissioners has always been, and will continue to be, firmly committed to the healthcare needs of our county,” a portion of the letter reads. “We were hoping to make this transition seamlessly, but it appears – at this point – that the circumstances will require a temporary closure. We want to assure you that we are working diligently to install the necessary equipment and make appropriate arrangements with providers to resume providing quality, convenient, and sustainable care as quickly as possible.
“We are confident the urgent care clinic and imaging center will re-open after renovations and other necessary arrangements are completed.”
An updated look to the interior (new paint and furniture, for example) is reportedly also being discussed as a project during the closure.
2 changes, 1 year
Dr. David Booth – a Mississippi-based physician – filled the void after the first closing of the clinic earlier this year.
That pause was brought on thanks to former lessee Dr. David Castor losing a lawsuit against the county in August 2022; Castor’s Bryson City-based Smoky Mountain Urgent Care had until Jan. 27 to evacuate the premises, but his exit included the removal of the x-ray unit (the only piece of equipment Castor had in the county-owned building).
“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen business events, it is no longer financially feasible for me to continue operating Graham County Urgent Care,” Booth said, in an exclusive statement provided to The Graham Star on Monday. “I have notified the county board of commissioners of my inability to continue to remain in business and of my intent to close.
“I appreciate the hard work of my staff and the county board of commissioners, as well as all the positive community support.”
Rumors about who would be succeeding Booth as the new lessee of the operation could not be confirmed by The Star’s Wednesday press deadline.