EBNHC on Schedule to Open this Summer

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

Construction crews are moving right along with the construction of the newest East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) at 17 Main St. in the Belle Isle Plaza, expected to open this summer.

The 8,000 sq.ft. facility, to be known as the Winthrop Community Health Center, will house a full-range of family medical care in an outpatient setting from pediatrics to women’s health and adult care to the elderly.

The project is made possible with the support of Boston Medical Center and Massport.

“We feel strongly about our commitment to this new facility,” said CEO Manny Lopes. “Having the long-term support of Massport and other stakeholders, will make this venture financially viable. We are also excited about bringing primary care closer to our Winthrop patients.”

Steve Snyder, vice president of marketing and development for East Boston Neighborhood Health, said the new facility will have one doctor and a nurse practitioner or medical assistant. There has also been some discussion about adding dental services. The fact that Winthrop is a bit isolated makes having a health care center attractive.

“We are thrilled that patients who already come to our center in East Boston will have another option closer to home,” said Chief Medical Officer Jackie Fantes.

East Boston Neighborhood Health Center has facilities at 10 Gove St. (celebrating its 45^th year in business) and 20 Maverick Square in East Boston where over 300,000 patients visit each year. In Winthrop they expect to have about 1,800 visits a year. East Boston Neighborhood Health also has three elder care sites, including one on Sturgis Street.

“There’s been an uptick in the number of Winthrop residents who use East Boston Neighborhood Health. I’d say that one quarter of the town uses East Boston Health,” Snyder said.

He added that there are also plans for an East Boston Health Center to be built into the new middle/high school being built in town. There will be both medical and behavorial health services offered.

“We are vested in school health,” Snyder said. “This can be used by the students. The theory is to be where they are.”

The 24-hour facility and emergency department at the East Boston, 10 Gove St., will still remain. Each year about 45,000 visits are made there.