MOUNT VERNON — A new service
for those needing quick medical attention will soon be coming to Mount Vernon
when Knox Community Hospital opens its KCH Urgent Care Center. Located next to
Radio Shack at 1490 Coshocton Ave., the Urgent Care Center will be offering services
for those with non-lifethreatening conditions and injuries.
“We’re in the very early stages with the center,” said KCH
Chief Executive Officer Bruce White. “We’re probably looking at the
second half of 2011 until we’re open.”
Operating in much the same policy as an emergency room, the Urgent Care Center
will be there to serve all who walk through its doors. White admitted that while
this is not a free clinic, “Our intentions are to provide a service, regardless
of ability to pay.”
While medical issues arrive at any and all times, doctors are not always available
to be seen immediately. Sometimes people don’t see the urgency in going
to the emergency room, but still need medical issues addressed.
“We’ve known that many hospitals in the nation are seeing a shortage
of primary care physicians, and this creates issues,” said White. “When
there is a situation that needs a quick response, it leaves people in a lurch.
So an Urgent Care Center is a nice in-between place to go to for care in a non-lifethreatening
instance.”
White pointed out that this would be a place to go to for cases of sprains, strains,
upper respiratory infections, minor lacerations, blood pressure problems, and
the like. It is not intended for large bone fractures, chest pains, possible
stroke, heart attack, etc. Patients suffering from these symptoms and conditions
should report to the emergency room as usual.
For the full story, click here for the February 2, 2011 e-edition
