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MACOMB, IL – McDonough District Hospital will open a health care alternative to the emergency room for minor illnesses.
The clinic is called "Convenient Care." It'll be located in the Hy-Vee store at 1600 East Jackson street in Macomb. The clinic will open August 22nd.
Nurse Practitioner Sue Adams said it will provide an option outside normal business hours for parents with a sick child, "Sinus infections. You know you can't get into your regular provider or there are just no appointments available."
Adams said many families go to the emergency room for minor conditions just because it's open not because the emergency room is the best medical choice.
Adams said parents sometimes delay seeking medical help. "Sometimes you hold off until the end of the week to see if things will clear up. They don't always. It would be a very long weekend if you have a sick child."
Adams will be the main care provider at the clinic. The clinic will be staffed with other nurse practitioners. She said the clinic will have two examination rooms and a waiting area.
Hospital spokesman John Maguire said the Hy-Vee store offers easy access and its own pharmacy so patients can get medications after visiting the clinic at the same site.
Clinic hours will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.