Cole Hospital unveils 'Express Care'

Charles Cole Memorial Hospital has launched a new service to care for patients when doctors' offices are closed.

"Illnesses are not confined to 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and daytime hours are not always convenient," said Ed Pitchford, Cole president and CEO. "Express Care gives patients more access when they need it."

It opened in mid-September as a walk-in medical clinic operating 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Irwin Medical Arts Center.

In addition to Michael Joyce, a physician assistant, the staff includes Charleen Rosenberry, a registered nurse with experience in medical offices and emergency services. Supervision is provided by the hospital's on-call physician.

"Our focus is on expedient, high quality care," Joyce pointed out. "Express Care is not designed to take the place of the Emergency Department for emergencies, such as chest pain, nor is it designed to take the place of regular checkups."

Conditions that might typically come to Express Care include colds, flu, intestinal viruses, sore throats, strains, sprains, small fractures, suturing, care of wound infections (abscesses, etc.), minor headache, rashes, dental pain, gynecologic problems, minor burns and insect bites.

"In the first two weeks, we've seen both adult and pediatric patients, as we expected," Joyce said. "Most have been suffering from colds, intestinal upsets or ear infections."

Patients who are suffering from chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain and pregnancy-related illness should go directly to the Emergency Department, Joyce advised.

Those who come to Express Care but need the services in the Emergency Department will be directed there.

Express Care services are covered by many health insurance plans. Information will be provided to the patient's primary care provider for follow-up.

For more information call 274-0659 or 274-9300.