Lindsay Wellness Center to offer physical therapy program

The Lindsay City Council and Lindsay District Hospital Board convened Tuesday night to discuss the possibilities of incorporating a physical therapy program into the wellness center project.

“A few months ago we spent some time discussing what programs would be offered,” Special Projects Director Kendon Meik said. “We came up with six areas of emphasis or interest: diabetes, asthma, physical therapy, senior health, nutrition and childhood obesity.”

When the project was first proposed in 2003, some Council members and Board members envisioned a one-stop clinic — after nearly six years, however, that has changed.  

Now there is concern of creating a clinic, since the city already has a few it could create direct competition, Meik said.  

According to Meik, the city has received numerous requests from local physical therapists who showed interest in leasing out space within the three-story building.

“This is an opportunity to have a long term partner who at the same time can help us find resources and contacts,” Meik said.

City officials recently toured the facilities of two contenders, Pro-PT in Visalia and Smithcare Rehabilitation in Porterville, both of which already have a large group of Lindsay patients, Meik said.

The Council and Board came to a consensus to develop a request for a proposal to solicit bids from potential physical therapy providers.

The wellness center is expected to be ready for occupancy in late spring of 2011.