NORTH AUGUSTA — University Health Care System and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon Thursday at 336 Georgia Ave. to officially open the new University Prompt Care - Georgia Avenue.
This facility is designed to provide fast, convenient health care in times when a person can't get an appointment with his or her regular physician or if illness strikes when physician offices are closed.
Prompt Care facilities, which do not require appointments, are also a better option for those seeking non-life-threatening emergency care for conditions such as:
- Accidents and falls
- Sprains and strains
- Moderate back problems
- Breathing difficulties (i.e. mild to moderate asthma)
- Bleeding/cuts - not bleeding a lot but requiring stitches
- Diagnostic services, including X-rays and laboratory tests
- Eye irritation and redness
- Fever or flu
- Vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration
- Severe sore throat or cough
- Minor broken bones and fractures (i.e. fingers, toes)
- Skin rashes and infections
- Urinary tract infections
"With health care needs increasing and changing, University is working to make care more accessible to families with busy lifestyles," said James R. Davis, University Health Care System's president and CEO. "Providing options for working parents who are not able to get into their pediatricians office, for example, is invaluable."
Three University physicians will work at the Georgia Avenue office - Dr. Bo Sherwood, Dr. Anthony Arnott and Dr. Faheem Bin Nusrat.
"We are here to care for you when you need it, without an appointment," Sherwood said. "Our goal is to provide exceptional care in a timely manner. We look forward to many successful years as part of this community."
University Prompt Care - Georgia Avenue is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The office can be reached at 803-202-3351.
University Health Care System is anchored by the 581-bed University Hospital and serves Augusta-Richmond County and the surrounding region.
Over the years, University has expanded to include the Heart & Vascular Institute and office buildings that house more than 600 private practice physicians and various treatment centers.