In order to provide additional access for patients suffering from acute, nonlife-threatening medical issues, Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH) has expanded hours at its new immediate care clinic at 974 Ribaut Rd.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

As of August 1, the clinic will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering medical care for a wide range of minor ailments and injuries, including the flu, strep throat, sprains and strains, urinary tract infections, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and lacerations. Operating hours will expand again as the need for services increases.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

Beaufort Memorial Express Care &amp; Occupational Health is staffed by Dr. Dan Smith, a board-certified family medicine specialist with more than 14 years’ experience; Dr. Julian Levin, a former Air Force physician board-certified in both family and occupational medicine; and board-certified physician assistant Cameron Price.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

“As an express care clinic, it’s designed to provide patients with faster access to care if they can’t get in right away to see their doctor,” said Angie Barber, practice operations administrator for Beaufort Memorial Physician Partners. “The clinic supports our primary care practices, easing the demand for same-day appointments and decreasing unnecessary visits to the ER.”<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

In addition, Beaufort Memorial Express Care &amp; Occupational Health also serves employees of businesses participating in Well at Work, the hospital’s comprehensive wellness program designed to cover everything from pre-employment physicals to workplace injuries. Companies enrolled in the Well at Work program are able to send employees suffering workplace injuries to the clinic for expedited medical services, reducing lost time and rising workers’ compensation costs. The clinic also can perform employees’ physical exams, drug and alcohol testing and biometric screenings, including cholesterol and blood pressure tests.

“We are pleased to be able to offer patients more access to the clinic with evening and Saturday hours, and plan to grow the facility based on the needs of the community,” Barber said. “We anticipate expanding our hours of operation again in the near future and will add support staff as demand increases for services.”

Beaufort Memorial Express Care &amp; Occupational Health accepts most insurance, as well as cash and credit cards. For more information, call (843) 524-3344.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>

<em>Photo at top:&nbsp;Dr. Dan Smith with patient at Express Care.</em>