By Carol Vaughn —
Eastern Shore Rural Health announced plans to expand its services by opening an urgent care center in Four Corner Plaza, in Onley, and a pharmacy at the Onley Community Health Center campus.
“We are excited to grow our service lines to help meet the needs of our community here on the Shore,” said Matt Clay, ESRH chief executive officer.
A recently completed community health needs assessment showed a significant need for urgent care on the Shore, among other findings, according to Clay.
The urgent care center will be in leased space at Four Corner Plaza, between Don Valerio’s restaurant and the Virginia ABC store, after the space is renovated.
“We’re trying to increase access to care. One of the things we have been trying to work with the hospital on is to try to decrease ER (emergency room) visits,” Clay said.
A consultant from Valparaiso University conducted the health needs assessment, speaking with many community stakeholders and staff.
While planning is still in the early stages, the center’s hours tentatively will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
The timeline for opening the center depends on how long it takes to renovate the space and to find staff, Clay said.
Patients will be able to obtain urgent care, including x-rays, stitches, or other care needed right away, but patients should still seek their regular care, including for chronic conditions, from their primary care provider.
“The whole point of having urgent care is so people have quick access,” Clay said.
Additionally, Eastern Shore Rural Health announced it will open a pharmacy, owned and operated by the health care system, at Onley Community Health Center.
“This pharmacy at our largest center will allow us to integrate care between our providers and pharmacists, which enhances our ability to provide patient-centered care in a one stop setting. A pharmacy under one roof with Rural Health providers also helps ensure a high level of customer service including shorter wait times and easier access to needed prescriptions for patients,” Clay said.
More details about both projects will be coming in the near future.
“The Eastern Shore Rural Health Board of Directors has been extremely supportive in providing additional services to our community, supporting our team members, and recognizing the needs here on the Shore,” Clay said.
In addition to announcing plans for the urgent care center and the pharmacy, ESRH this week unveiled a new logo, which will be rolled out over the next few months, according to Clay.
“The new logo provides a fresh new look for our organization and depicts the region we serve, where the land meets the sea,” he said.
The logo’s final design was selected by senior leadership and the ESRH board.
“We wanted a logo that we felt fit the Shore, with the water and agriculture,” Clay said.
“We are doing new things and it’s just nice to have a fresh, new logo for fresh, new things,” said Amy Bull, ESRH director of communications and development.
