Option for Patients with Minor Illnesses and Injuries

DANVILLE, VA - (June 7, 2007) - Danville Regional Medical Center has opened an urgent care center to provide prompt treatment of minor illnesses and injuries. 

The center is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  It is located in the Danville Regional Professional Building at 201 South Main Street across from the Medical Center.

The urgent care center is intended for children and adults who have illnesses such as sore throats, ear aches, colds and injuries such as sprains and cuts.  The Center has x-ray and lab equipment for diagnostic services.

“Our goal is to provide timely medical services to those who do no need emergency care at times when most physicians’ offices are closed,” said Cathy Shelton, Director of Danville Physician Practices.  “The urgent care service will enable our emergency room physicians and nurses to concentrate on more serious illnesses and injuries.” Approximately one-third of the patients at the emergency room last year did not have true emergencies. 

The Medical Staff supports the urgent care option, said Richard Smith, MD, Chief of the Medical Staff.  “The Medical Center will provide a higher level of care for patients with serious illnesses and injuries, while enabling physicians to follow their regular schedule of appointments,” he said.

Danville Regional has hired five full-time employees to staff the center.  They are Margaret Whitney, RT; Tina Nicklow, LPN; Ruby Marshall, RN, BSN; Katrice Stewart, Accounts Receivable Specialist; and Terri Trimble, Receptionist.  In addition, a number of part time employees has been hired. 

The manager of the center is Ruby Marshall, who has worked for Danville Regional for 21 years.

The urgent care center is unable to accept any patient after 8:45 p.m.