Aurora Gets Set To Move Local Clinic To New Site

The Valders Journal–
by Jake Phillips

Plans have run smoothly and a target opening date of Feb. 5 has been set for the new Aurora Health Care in Valders.

Construction at 721 S. Calumet Drive began in late summer for the clinic, which will provide a new facility with expanded services to the community.

The new building will replace the current Aurora Manitowoc Clinic-Valders at 106 Wilson St. Some key additions will be a laboratory and x-ray equipment.

Also among the features of the new 4,000 square foot building are six exam rooms, two consultation rooms, and storage areas for records, charts and medication.

"Aurora is looking forward to serving the Valders area for many years to come," said Tom Murphy, clinic administrator for Manitowoc County. "This demonstrates the commitment we have to Valders and the community."

Murphy said that Dr. Paul Samundsen, who splits his time between the Valders clinic and Aurora's Manitowoc South Clinic, will work at the new facility, as will a nurse practitioner, making care available during weekday business hours.

He said that sometimes the two will have overlapping times, where both are in the office, and at other times there will be just one of them available.

Murphy said he expects the move to run fairly smoothly. He noted that most of the things at the clinic will be new, such as furniture and equipment, helping to update the facility and improve service.

"We'll probably be closed for about one day or so to make the transition appropriately," Murphy said.

Orabelle Fisher of Valders was one of several people pushing for a new clinic during the past few years, and she said she's glad to see that the project is almost completed.

"It's going to be very nice," she said. "I'm very proud of it."

Fisher said that she and other local seniors got together and scheduled meetings, hoping to create a push for a new facility. He said the new features and increased accessibility at the new clinic will be a great help to Samundsen.

"Our heart goes out to Dr. Samundsen because his facilities are so small," Fisher said of the current clinic. Aurora has leased that building, and it remains for sale by the owner, Deanna Thranow Zibung.

Fisher said she hopes that someday Aurora will set up a pharmacy in the area.

She added that she's glad that Samundsen will continue to practice medicine in the area, and she had a simple enough reason for it.

"He's a very fine doctor," Fisher said.

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