HILLSDALE — The Hillsdale Hospital administration finalized the purchase of the Hillsdale Health and Wellness Center late last week, after spending the better part of the last year negotiating with Dr. Ravi Yarid.
Dr. Yarid and his family are moving to the Ann Arbor area to pursue new opportunities.
Yarid who opened the Hillsdale Health and Wellness Center five years ago said his practice has expanded greatly over the years.
“It has come to the point where we have outgrown our abilities,” he said. “The hospital is the best option to take over the practice and grow it.
“I had no idea it would grow this fast,” Yarid added.
The practice has seen a growth of 1,000 patients a year.
“It has been an enjoying experience to build this and grow,” Yarid said.
Jeremiah Hodshire, director of organizational development at Hillsdale Hospital said the purchase of the center is an example of an ever changing health care environment.
“We are excited about the opportunity to provide excellent care and service to patients while maintaining the same model that Dr. Yarid has put in place,” Hodshire said.
That model is one of operating outside of traditional practice hours. The center, which is open seven days a week with evening hours gives Hillsdale County residents the opportunity to see a doctor after business hours without visiting the emergency room.
Dr. Leslie Bennett, will take over as medical director of the clinic, while continuing to see her patients. The current Nurse Practitioners will remain at the clinic and new providers are being recruited.
Hodshire said the hospital model continues to change, to more outpatient services to residents of Hillsdale County.
The hospital currently has clinics in Reading and Litchfield with plans for more in the future.
“We have received overwhelming response from the Litchfield Clinic,” Hodshire said. “We are seeing a large volume of patients.”
With the announcement of the closing of the Center of Family Health earlier in the week, Hodshire said the clinic would be there to serve those patients who are in need of a physician.
The Hillsdale Health and Wellness Center is located at 12 E. Bacon Street.
