Grapeland Urgent Care Open for Business

Grand Opening Scheduled for March 24

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

GRAPELAND – The Grapeland Urgent Care clinic will be open for business on Thursday, March 1, according to Joe Tumalad, NP (nurse practitioner).

Tumalad will be the primary provider at the facility. The hours of operation will be from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday with an on-call provision of who to call after hours.

While the finishing touches are still being put on the old nursing home facility, Tumalad said the initial game plan is to have one or two examining rooms up and running and ready to see patients this Thursday.

“They are still working on it – and it’s not done – but we will be open on March 1,” the nurse practitioner said during an interview on Tuesday, Feb. 27.  “We’re getting one or two exam rooms, as well as the front, ready and even though we are not finished with all the construction, we will begin seeing patients on March 1.”

Tumalad asserted the majority of the facility is ready to go and will have the capability to do X-rays, lab work and will have an urgent care profile.

“The only things they are doing right now are the baseboards and the 240 three phase electric. That’s for the X-ray machines and that should be ready to go by tomorrow. The 50 gallon hot water heater – they are installing that today (Tuesday). After they finish with the electrical work, they will be installing the ceiling tiles,” he said.

According to Tumalad, the Grapeland Noon Lions Club will help with the landscaping of the facility.

“They will put the plants in the front to help cover up the AC units and make the outside more attractive. We are almost there,” he said.

All services will be available, except X-ray “… unless they finish that today. That should be ready to go on the first or second,” he explained.

As far as personnel, Tumalad said the urgent care facility has hired three people.

“We hired and trained them and then put them through orientation today. My team from Houston is coming tomorrow and will stay through the first of March to help us out. We’re ready and we’re set to open,” Tumalad said.

The facility will host a Grand Opening ceremony on Saturday, March 24, starting at 11 a.m. The celebration will be replete with a ribbon cutting, hamburgers, hotdogs, nachos, popcorn and candy.

There will also be activities for children including: a bean bag toss; a bounce house; basketball free throws; a prize wheel; and a face tattoo booth.

Healthcare providers will also be on hand to answer any questions attendees may have. Those in attendance will also have the option of taking a tour of the facility. In addition, glucose testing and blood pressure checks will be available during the grand opening.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].