For more than a decade, Centura Mercy Hospital and Purgatory Resort have partnered to care for outdoor adventurists using Mercy nursing staff to triage unexpected injuries and illnesses at the resort’s base area. Very low demand in recent years at this location from resort visitors and community members makes staffing and operating the clinic unsustainable. Therefore, Mercy will no longer operate its Urgent Care at the Purgatory Resort effective this winter season.
Mercy Hospital and Purgatory Resort remain in close communication through this change and identified areas that both organizations will continue to collaborate, moving forward, to care for those in our communities. Some specific areas of partnership include plan for Purgatory Ski Patrol to receive training from Mercy clinical leaders. This training, similar to our sister hospital in Summit County, will instruct patrollers to stabilize injured patients before transport, if necessary, to Mercy Hospital using ambulance or Flight For Life services.
Additionally - with the goal of supporting our communities in northern La Plata county, Centura Mercy will continue to subsidize the Silverton clinic by funding the cost of a provider throughout the year.
Recreation in the outdoors is a great part of our culture and community in the Four Corners region, and Mercy Hospital is committed to the wellness of those who partake in all outdoor activities, including our beloved winter sports. The closure of the Purgatory urgent care will allow Mercy to shift needed resources to other services in higher demand to serve you – our friends and neighbors.
