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Convenient medical care in Sandersville... Stat!
SANDERSVILLE, Feb 14, 2012 (Laurel Leader-Call - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Rain moved the ribbon cutting ceremony for South Central Urgent Care indoors Monday, but it didn't dampen the excitement of the day.
The ceremony marked the grand opening for the medical clinic located at 109 North Front Street in Downtown Sandersville. Town and hospital officials, as well as board members from the Economic Development Authority of Jones County, were on hand to participate in the event.
Urgent Care is the result of a partnership between South Central Regional Medical Center (SCRMC) and the Town of Sandersville. SCRMC officials began talks with town officials during the first quarter of 2011. Plans were soon finalized and construction began around the first of October.
"We opened Jan. 23, but this is our official grand opening and ribbon cutting," said Clinic Manager Gregg Gibbes. "We also sponsored a health fair and provided plate lunches for those attending."
"Rain kept people away, but we still had plenty of people to come through," added Gibbes. "We are pleased with the turnout we've had here."
Screenings and assessments provided during the health fair included diabetic foot testing, sleep apnea assessments and blood pressure, sugar, vision, body mass index and percent body fat screenings.
Also information booths were set up by such places as South Central's Wellness Center, Mississippi State University Extension Service, United Blood Services, ComfortCare Home Health and Hospice Volunteer Program, Laurel Pediatric and Adolescent Clinic, South Central Diabetes Education Services, and Jones County Medical Supply.
"We've had great cooperation from the community," said Gibbes. "All of the city officials helped us. The Post Master and police chief even grilled the hamburgers and hot dogs for us. Bryan Pilgrim of Pilgrim Construction gave us the charcoal."
Gibbes also noted that town historian Jim Robinson donated historic pictures of Sandersville to hang throughout the building.
Robinson, who wrote a book about the history of Sandersville, said a number of people gave him pictures to put in the book. He has a collection of them and thought they would look good in the new clinic.
"One of them is of a train accident that happened in Sandersville years ago," said Robinson. "That picture was supplied by Mrs. Pat Myrick and she should get credit for it.
"We are all excited about the clinic," added Robinson. "I'm delighted that it's here. It's been a long time coming."
Sandersville Mayor Jimmy Hill thanked hospital officials for bringing the clinic to Sandersville. "I thank you for exposing Sandersville to these services through Urgent care. We all will reap the benefits."
Hill also recognized and thanked former Sandersville Mayor Walter "Buzz" Jack for his vision of bringing the clinic to the town. The clinic, which has a full-time physician on staff, is equipped with modern-day medical technology.
Jack said area residents will now be able to receive quality health care in Sandersville and won't have to make the drive to Laurel or other surrounding cities for non-emergency conditions such as sore throat, ear aches, coughs and colds, sports injuries, flu, eye infections and other conditions.
The clinic also provides sports physicals, drug testing, simple suturing, ear wax removal, digital rectal exams, and DOT (Department of Transportation) physicals. Same day laboratory services are provided for conditions such as strep, mono, flu, tuberculosis, pregnancy test, urinalysis and pneumonia.
Gibbes said the clinic is staffed with five employees and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
"The good thing about the clinic is there is no long wait time -- guaranteed," said Gibbes. "We have four exam rooms and people don't have to have an appointment to come to see us."
For additional information about the South Central Urgent Care Clinic in Sandersville, phone 601-426-7603.
___ (c)2012 the Laurel Leader-Call (Laurel, Miss.) Visit the Laurel Leader-Call
(Laurel, Miss.) at www.leadercall.com Distributed by MCT Information Services
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