Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
|
|
|
Bill Eckert, RMH Board President, said, “This is something that we can give back to the surrounding community to thank everyone for their support. We’ve seen our daily census increase in all areas of hospital usage. This was a logical next step for us to thank the community for its support. People are using the hospital in numbers we haven’t seen in years.”
The new clinic is fully staffed around the clock and sees patients on a walk-in basis. RMH Administrator Jeff Madison says, “We realize that illness doesn’t happen just during office hours. We are extremely glad to offer this service to Rockdale and the surrounding communities.
“Until now, even if you just had a routine, non-emergency medical condition, going to the E/R was your only choice after regular office hours. This clinic will provide service to patients who just can’t make it in during regular office hours.”
Madison pointed out that the clinic offers financial benefits for patients as well. “The 24-hour clinic will allow people to be seen in an office visit environment. Whether you are a private pay customer or you have insurance, emergency room co-pays are higher than a regular office visit. Those savings go right back to the patient.”