Good Samaritan Hospital working to meet health care needs of Wasco

Good Samaritan Hospital – Rural Health Clinic Wasco is a community health care organization whose mission is to provide safe, effective medical and neuropsychiatric services in a caring manner for all.

"We are here to serve the community and their health care needs," Office Manager Praksha Patel said.

GSH has four providers with their own specialty. They are Bertha Barraza, a nurse practitioner who provides primary care and wound care; Harjeet Cheema, a nurse practitioner psychiatrist; Mirna Gonzales, a behavioral health therapist; and Dr. Babita Datta, a gynecology specialist with 28 years of experience specializing in women's health and prenatal care.

Some services provided include annual physicals, weight management, mammograms, ultrasounds, behavioral health, diabetes management, wound care, pap smears and birth control.

GSH addresses the unique healthcare needs of a rural population like Wasco. "We are here locally, so it's easy for the community to have access to all our services. Our clinic serves Wasco and the surrounding areas, including Delano, Shafter and McFarland. If you have Kern Family Health and no transportation to your appointments, the clinic can assist with transportation arrangements."

Patel said GSH is a benefit to the community and much needed. "The population is growing, and the health care needs of people in the community are essential for the well-being of the individual. The presence of the clinic in Wasco can help provide quality health service. So now Wasco's population can access this clinic to make a difference in their health care needs."

GSH accepts Kern Family Health patients, Blue Cross insurance, Medi-Cal, Medicare and all PPOs.

"For those who cannot afford to pay, we offer discounted cash prices, and if they don't have insurance, we can assist them in signing up for Kern Family Health Insurance."

The clinic is bilingual to better serve the Wasco community. "Our NP-C, Bertha Barraza, can speak Spanish. We also have Spanish translators here for all providers and a phone service that translates into all languages."

GSH is accepting new patients, and walk-ins are welcome. New patients are seen within a day.

The clinic's goal for the future is to provide more advanced care for the local community. "We look forward to working to better the health needs of the residents of Wasco."

Good Samaritan Hospital, 1217 7th St., is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Call 661-758-5500 to schedule an appointment.