SPI Med-Center Update

Interview with Dr. Ybarra

Dating back to before the pandemic's start, Dr. Joe Ybarra pursued a goal as a healthcare provider on the island. After repeated public health assessments, it was clear South Padre Island needed a hospital.

The worldwide epidemic delayed Ybarra's plans and the ever-looming recession approached.  Investors became reluctant. By 2020, the plans for a hospital became a struggle due to the uncertainty in the world economy.

Financials

Plans have evolved financially and a new consultant, Jason Peret, joined the team earlier this year. Peret is currently the CEO of Catalina Island Medical Center (CIMC). In an interview with Island Matters, Ybarra shared an optimistic view of getting the hospital back on track after a trip with investors to Catalina Island.

Financials

Plans have evolved financially and a new consultant, Jason Peret, joined the team earlier this year. Peret is currently the CEO of Catalina Island Medical Center (CIMC). In an interview with Island Matters, Ybarra shared an optimistic view of getting the hospital back on track after a trip with investors to Catalina Island.

The financial difference between Catalina Island and South Padre Island is that the City of Catalina developed a tax for their hospital district. "With that security, they can get funded to build a bigger hospital."

Although Ybarra does not seek city funds, he would welcome them. His goal is to fund the hospital privately to keep health care in healthcare professionals' hands. Ybarra still encourages city/community participation. Although Dr. Ybarra is no longer involved financially in the hospital and has transferred the land to the investment group, he is still managing the project.

Early in the project, the total funds available from financier Sam Wilkinson for the hospital were $41 million. The goal for Ybarra was to start small to create a sustainable environment and then plan for additions. The amount of money committed to the project by various investors is now unknown to Ybarra.

Healthcare Concept

Two feasibility studies later, the hospital is planned to have an emergency room with an ambulance drop-off, ten to twelve beds, a surgical suite, and dietary and maintenance services.

Thinking ahead, Ybarra knows many healthcare professionals who are ready to participate.

The public can expect Dr. Ybarra’s clinic to become a medical center for the time being. “We will convert my clinic to a rural community health center and our hospital will be a critical access hospital.”

Timeline

Optimistically, Ybarra hopes for the timeline to fast-track through the year after he and more investors have visited Catalina. "That second group of capital investors will have no doubts that it's feasible."

In the meantime, Ybarra offers urgent care and primary healthcare on the island at his clinic at 3401 Padre Blvd., and is delighted to serve the public and the Island’s EMS personnel. His goal is to continue improving the overall population health for the island and its visitors.

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Island Matters | P.O. Box 2778 | South Padre Island, TX 78597