UMC Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Northside Clinic

United Medical Center Board Members and Staff attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for their newest Northside clinic on Tuesday.

United Medical Centers opened their fifth location in Del Rio on Tuesday morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Arreola and other city officials. 

The urgent care facility, dubbed ‘Northside Del Rio Clinic’, is now seeing patients at 3809 Veterans Boulevard, though with some limitations. According to Felix Escobedo, one of two Family Nurse Practitioners providing care at the clinic, their level of care does not take the place of emergency-room-level needs.

"If someone comes in with, say, chest pains, that could indicate a cardiac emergency like a heart attack," Escobedo said. "I’d refer the patient to the emergency room."

Another example of an ailment that likely would require a special form of care is a fracture. "We can stabilize a fracture here, then get them to the specialist they need," Escobedo explained.

Despite these limitations, the clinic will be able to fulfill the healthcare needs of many cases that come through their now-opened doors. Hugh Freitas, who is also a Family Nurse Practitioner on staff as well as an Emergency Nurse Practitioner, listed some common reasons for visiting the clinic.

"We’re in the middle of flu season. Kiddos are getting sent home from school with fever, cold, cough…Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. These types of patients can definitely come in and are welcome," Freitas tells Connect Del Rio. 

At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Mayor Arreola announced a proclamation bearing the seal of the City of Del Rio that names February 18th, 2025 "Northside Del Rio Clinic Grand Opening Day". This type of proclamation is an official gesture that recognizes events that are meaningful and significant for the community.