CLOSING OF THE BUFFALO CLINIC A TOUGH DECISION

Hettinger, ND. – “Closing the Buffalo Clinic/West River Health Clinic was a tough decision for the West River Board of Directors and Administration, but a financially sensible decision to assure a feasible future for area healthcare,” said West River’s CEO, Jim Long. “Our first concern in any healthcare move is always the patient’s well being. It brought some comfort to our tough decision in knowing that we were not leaving the Buffalo community without any healthcare,” said Long. “The closing of our clinic will help assure that the Buffalo Community Health Center will be viable long into the future.”

As of December 1, Joe Loncarevich will be reassigned to Lemmon Clinic/West River Health Clinic. “I thought it was difficult to go through another heart surgery, says Loncarevich, but leaving the Buffalo community is harder then I anticipated. I want to thank all of you for allowing me the privilege of providing medical services over the years to you and your family. I will miss you all, and will never forget you.”

West River has asked their patients to please contact the Buffalo Clinic by December 30th at 375-3744 or West River’s Release of Information in Hettinger at 701-567-6268 and your records will be forwarded to the physician or clinic of your choice. You may also go to their web site at www.wrhs.com click Patient Information and then click Release of Information, where you can print forms for your convenience.

12/7/05