Oaklawn's after-hours medical service revises daily hours of operation

Oaklawn’s after-hours medical service revises daily hours of operation

MARSHALL – A shift in hours is taking place at the community’s premier after-hours medical service.

Beginning April 11, Oaklawn After Hours Express will operate from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, every day of the year. As always, appointments will not be required.

The facility is situated at 111 S. Hamilton St., one block south of Marshall’s business district at the northeast intersection of Hamilton and Green streets, near Marshall’s U.S. Post Office.

“Long before we opened in July 2015, we knew there had been a long-standing need for such a service in Marshall,” said Mark Montross, Executive Director of the Oaklawn Medical Group.

“Our goal was to help treat people who experience minor injuries and illnesses at times that don’t conform with ‘normal business hours’,” he said.

“Oaklawn After Hours Express has exceeded all of our expectations,” Montross said. “Ultimately, this change in hours is a result of listening to our patients about what is convenient for them.”

Visitors to the facility can expect the same types of acute-care services they typically expect from their regular physicians, after regular office hours should a service be required urgently.

Treatment is available for all ages, from adults and children over 3 months of age, on a first-come, first-served basis. Treatment records are shared with each patient’s primary-care physician within 24 hours of a visit.

Patients are advised to follow up with a primary-care physician within four or five days. Patients with life-threatening conditions should immediately seek treatment at Oaklawn’s emergency room, Montross said.

Minor illnesses that may be treated include skin conditions, allergies, infections, bronchitis, colds, flu, fever, laryngitis, mononucleosis, pink eye and styes. Minor injuries also may be treated, including abrasions, burns, cuts, splinters, sprains, staple and suture removal and strains.

The clinic also provides physicals for camp, sports and school activities, as well as vaccinations for tetanus, flu, pertussis (DTaP/whooping cough) and diphtheria. Staff also provides patients with information about pharmacies that provide 24-hour service.

“One of the community issues identified by Oaklawn’s most recent Community Health Needs Assessment is having good access to health care,” Montross said, referencing an assessment completed in March 2016.

“Oaklawn is committed to making sure those needs are addressed, and to keep improving access to care close to home,” he said.