Executive Director of Naturita’s Basin Clinic Christina Pierce told the Forum last week that she with other clinic board members toured the critical access mini-hospital in Rangely two weeks ago. With Chris Daniels, Lorraine Garvey and Don Concord, she traveled Oct. 9 to see what the facility looked like and how it functioned.
“It was amazing actually,” Pierce said.
Earlier this year, Basin Clinic funded a third-party study which indicated a critical access mini-hospital could be a good move for the West End, financially, economically and sustainably. In August, the Basin Clinic board voted to move toward establishing just that.
On the tour, West End representatives saw that the Rangely hospital has rooms for overnight patients, up to three days, supporting those who need certain care, saving them from being transported to Grand Junction. Rangely also has “swing beds” for those who need to recover from a broken hip or something similar, those who need rehabilitation but want to stay in their own town. And, Rangely has long-term care in the form of a nursing home, 10 beds for patients who get to stay close to family.
Pierce said that the facility employs a variety of workforce: CNAs, custodial staff, maintenance, housekeeping, cooks, nurses, physical therapists, providers, doctors and more.
In the West End, 70-80 jobs could be created.
The imaging at Rangely was expansive: a CT scanner, MRI equipment, mammogram technology, ultrasound, capability to do colonoscopy procedures. Technicians are on site throughout the week to perform services, even if they commute to do so.
There’s a pharmacy and a 24/7 emergency room too, in addition to the rural health clinic that takes appointments and walk-ins. Rangely additionally has tele-health options for speech pathology, occupational therapy and mental health services. They’ve got a dentist too.
Pierce said the abundance of offerings allows for patients to remain close to home, rather than get on the road, travel and be separated from friends and family.
Moreover, she said everyone seemed happy in their work. CEO Kyle Ren guided the tour, and the head of nursing was present too. The West End group had a lunch catered, since the cafeteria was so full with guests, some from the community who wanted to dine there.
“Everyone was so friendly,” Pierce said, “and they really enjoyed their jobs.”
She added the building was impressive, specifically the architecture, furniture and details.
Now, the Basin Clinic board will begin a campaign this spring, educating the West End about what it means to have a critical access mini-hospital. Already the clinic board has hired an attorney to help with language on the petition that will soon circulate. The West End will see a ballot question in November of 2026 to first establish a hospital district. While the clinic had explored creating a ballot question in the spring of 2026, they’ve since learned they have to align with the coordinated election next fall.
“It gives us time to really make sure the community understands the benefits,” she said.
Pierce said the board is being intentional with its steps in communication and informing community members.
“This would be such a benefit to the West End,” she said.
Pierce cried in the interview when she spoke of friends and family in the West End who’ve died alone, with nobody beside them. She said having long-term care for seniors is so important for the local area.
“It would be amazing … People wouldn’t have to travel four hours round-trip,” she said. “They could still work and see (their loved ones) the same evening. It would improve the quality of life for all of us.”
Pierce said beyond health care, there are community benefits related to the economy, with hospital employees living and working and spending tax dollars locally. She also knows about Colin Tomlinson and his work in wanting to introduce students at Nucla High School to jobs in health care. Pierce wants to create jobs that give locals opportunities to stay in the West End.
