A spokesperson for the Chickasaw Nation said they were excited to formally sign a new joint venture agreement with Indian Health Service (IHS) for the construction of a new medical center in Newcastle.
“The Chickasaw Nation has worked for decades to strengthen our ability to offer increased health and wellness programs and services to Chickasaw citizens and many other First Americans we serve,” the spokesperson said. “Now, we are excited to enhance health care access to First Americans living in and around the northwestern portion of the Chickasaw Nation, including those who live in the Oklahoma City metro.”
The new facility will offer numerous outpatient and specialty services. Plans are to address specialty and sub-specialty medical, surgical and ancillary health care needs, graduate medical education, First American research, access to new and more advanced health care services and much more.
“This will benefit our entire health system by housing a multitude of new specialty services and allow opportunities to develop our own research into illnesses that impact our community,” the spokesperson said. “The new medical center will also eventually house two residency programs to train our next generation of doctors and health care providers.
“With this new joint venture project, we are continuing our longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership with IHS to serve even more patients with quality and specialized care. We are excited for this new health complex and the impact it will have on generations of Chickasaws and First Americans.”
Indian Health Services Director Roselyn Tso said, “Today, I had the honor of meeting with The Chickasaw Nation to sign a historic joint venture agreement and lease between the Tribe and IHS for the development and operation of the proposed Newcastle Medical Center in Newcastle, Oklahoma.
“The comprehensive facility is expected to be built in three phases over a multi-year construction cycle.
“My thanks to Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby, Tribal Secretary, Dept. of Health, Dr. Charles Grimm, and Tribal staff for their generous hospitality.”
