Published: November 10, 2008 09:47 am      

MHS art students brighten the mood at new urgent care clinic

Facility offers treatment for minor illnesses; plans call for clinic to be open until 9 p.m. on weekdays

The McAlester High School’s senior art class has put pencil to wall to help create a design in the pediatric room at the new urgent care center.

Artwork on the walls for the children’s room is just one of the finishing touches in the new McAlester Urgent Care facility, which opened today.

Urgent care is designed to do things such as treat minor illnesses, perhaps saving those in need of care from having to make a more expensive trip to the emergency room.

It’s in a complex that will house three medical centers under one roof at 727 E. Wyandotte Ave., or at the corner of Eight Street and Wyandotte, across the street from the big car wash.

Jacqueline Turnbull, who is a nurse practitioner, is the director of both McAlester Urgent Care and McAlester Working Well, which is also in the complex. It also houses the family practice of Dr. Don Riley and Family Care Associates.

“We all have a space,” Turnbull said.

“There’s going to be a sign that says McAlester Community Care,” she said, referring to one sign that will encompass all three medical services offered under the same roof.

Riley will serve as the medical director of all three facilities, according to Turnbull. Others on the staff include Physician’s Assistant Lee Simpson and Nurse Practitioner Jodie Green.

The Working Well portion of the facility is for treating occupational illnesses and injuries, Turnbull said. Riley will have his regular family practice and urgent care will also offer its services.

Urgent care is for treating minor illnesses, according to Turnbull. She said there’s no need for an appointment.

“We want to treat patients, she said.

Plans are for the urgent care center to be open seven days a week, Turnbull said.

It’s to be open from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. on weekdays.

That way, care will be available after regular daytime working and business hours, she noted.

“After 4:30 p.m., we will have a nurse practitioner or a PA,” or physician’s assistant,” Turnbull said.

The center will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Turnbull said.

“In two or three months, we will be open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.,” Turnbull predicted of the weekday hours.

A number of medical services are to be offered thorough the Urgent Care facility, according to Turnbull.

“We’ll have X-rays and a lab here,” Turnbull said.

Even broken limbs can be treated, according to Turnbull.

“We can cast it and splint it and send you to an orthopedic surgeon,” Turnbull said.

Other injuries can also be treated at the site as well, which can allow patients to avoid a trip to the hospital, according to Turnbull.

“We can do stitches,” Turnbull said. An adhesive glue, which can often be used in pace of stitches, is also available, she said.,

Although childhood vaccinations are not available, “We can give tetanus shots,” Turnbull said. “We also give flu shoots and pneumonia shots.”

Turnbull said 80 percent of the time that people go to the emergency room is not because of a true emergency.

“So many people come through the ER, they can sit for hours and hours,” she said.

This is another way to treat patients who need medical care, but may not have a true medical emergency, according to Turnbull.

“This is something the community needs,” she said. “I know I don’t want to sit and wait for hours and hours.”

Turnbull said here is no need for an appointment.

“We take insurance and cash,” Turnbull said.

She hopes the Urgent Care facility will offer those needing medical treatment in the McAlester area another alternative.

“We’re excited about it,” Turnbull said.

Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.