After eight years working as an ER-ICU nurse, Carla Brook was ready to set up an urgent care close to home.
“I came to Bigfork five years ago and really wanted to open a clinic,” Brook says. “I had a big dream and didn’t think I could make it happen.” She’s been working toward this goal since, and on Jan. 7 she opened up The Bigfork Clinic and Urgent Care.
It’s a medical clinic and urgent care office that accepts walk-ins. It also has an added twist; the clinic centers on community involvement. Brook says she’s working with the Bigfork Drug Store and Bigfork Ambulance. The clinic is putting together a house-calls-for-seniors service, offers free blood pressure checks, can process lab draws and provides sports physical exams year-round.
“That’s what this is about,” Brook says, “this community has needed a really good urgent care.”
Each Tuesday, naturopathic doctor Katie Carter drives up from Polson. Brook is an advanced practice registered nurse. In February she’ll be joined by Matthew Zamake, a physicians assistant who has worked in Maryland for the past four years. Then, once a month, the clinic opens its doors after hours for wellness classes.
“This is excellent,” Brook says. “I can be home and close to work.”
The clinic is at 191 Jewel Basin Court, near the intersection of highways 83 and 35. They are open 8-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, 12-5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 8-12 p.m. on Saturday. For now, it’s closed on Sundays. For more information, call 837-4357.