UW Tacoma opens its first Student Health Services

For the first time, when UW Tacoma students get a sore throat, discover a weird rash, have questions about living with diabetes or sprain an ankle getting off the bus, they have a place on campus to go for help.

In partnership with Franciscan Medical Group, UW Tacoma is opening a new facility, Student Health Services, supported entirely by student fees. It will be staffed and operated by Franciscan Medical Group with an advanced registered nurse practitioner and a licensed practical nurse onsite. The facility, housed on campus in Laborers Hall at 1742 Market St., opens Aug. 16. Initial operating hours are Monday to Thursday, noon to 4 p.m.; and Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Student Health Services will treat students' minor ailments and injuries, including primary and preventive health care, allergies, sexual and reproductive issues and women's health problems, at no cost in most-cases.

Healthcare services have long been identified by students as something needed on campus. As UW Tacoma has grown, students and administrators have worked toward developing this facility, exploring available options.

"In the end, the advantages of partnering with an existing healthcare system provided significant advantages in both the level of experience and the ability to grow and expand with us," said UW Tacoma Chancellor Pat Spakes. "We are delighted to have an alliance with Franciscan and really appreciate the knowledge and skills they bring to the table."

Rai Nauman Mumtaz, president of the Associated Students of the University of Washington Tacoma, is pleased to see the facility open for business. "The introduction of Student Health Services will ensure students can receive both a quality education and have their basic healthcare needs met," he said. "It is wonderful to see UW Tacoma collaborate with a local organization like Franciscan Medical Group as continued efforts are made to improve the campus and greater community."

The advanced registered nurse practitioner will write prescriptions, but the facility will not include a pharmacy. Students can get prescriptions filled at any pharmacy they choose, at their own expense.

Franciscan Medical Group is part of Franciscan Health System, which includes St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way and St. Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor, among other healthcare clinics and hospitals.

Ribbon-cutting festivities are slated for Aug. 16, noon to 1 p.m. The public is welcome, but parking is very limited.