The University of Florida Health (UF Health) is set to establish a medical destination in East Gainesville, US, with the construction of the University of Florida Health Urgent Care Center-Eastside.

The $5.7m centre, funded in part by the city of Gainesville and Alachua County, will provide essential medical services to an underserved area.

UF Health president David R Nelson said: “Over the years, many residents have expressed the need for health care closer to home.

“It is very fulfilling to bring convenient urgent care to the heart of East Gainesville, but this is also about more than a medical clinic.

“Ideally, UF Health’s alliance with the city and county will be a catalyst that improves residents’ quality of life.”

The University of Florida Health Urgent Care Center-Eastside will feature examination rooms, procedure rooms, an X-ray area, and a community room, operating seven days a week with extended evening hours.

Future plans for the site include a bus transfer station, a community garden, and potential developments for housing and a neighbourhood grocery store.

The aim is to address long-standing community needs and improve access to medical care, amenities, and resources for residents in East Gainesville.

The centre will also integrate with Gainesville Fire Rescue's Community Resource Paramedicine Program to provide additional support and reduce unnecessary emergency room visits.

Alachua County Commission chair Anna Prizzia said: “Alachua County is proud to join with the city of Gainesville to pay for the construction of this much-needed facility, and we are excited to work with clinic operator UF Health. This is a great day for the future of health care in eastern Alachua County.”

The medical destination is scheduled for completion by mid-2024.