NELSPRUIT – With the opening of a new emergency medical facility, the days of clogging up hospitals with minor injury cases are over. Urgent Care, best described by CEO of ER Consulting, Dr Steve Holt, as a ‘win win for all’ was launched on Tuesday at Sonpark.

Although the concept of Urgent Care Facilities are new to South Africa, these facilities are well established in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada (to name a few). There are more than 8 700 of these facilities in the US alone providing nearly 3 million visits per annum.

According to Holt, the facilities provide convenient walk-in, extended hour access for minor illnesses and injury care that is either beyond the scope or availability of the typical primary care practice or General Practitioner practice. The most common conditions treated are fevers, upper respiratory infections, sprains and strains, lacerations, contusions, and back pain. The facilities can also treat simple, uncomplicated fractures, can provide IV fluids, and have x-ray and limited laboratory processing in the same centre.

“The minute you walk in, you receive convenience medical care and people will no longer have to deal with long queues at hospitals just to be treated for minor injuries,” said Holt.

The ‘mini hospital’ is typically staffed by General Practitioners with a special interest in Emergency Medicine, proficient in handling most cases that would typically fall into the category of urgent medical care needed, but not where life or limb threatening conditions are present. Additional staffing includes Professional Nurses and administrative personnel.

Urgent Care Facility is open between 08:00 until 20:30 everyday including public holidays and is situated in the newly built Sonmed Centre on the first floor.