MRH Walk-In Care announces relocation and streamlined operations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2024
Contact:
Katie Mackin
kmackin@mrhme.org
(207) 723-7273
MRH Walk-In Care announces relocation and streamlined operations
MILLINOCKET – MRH Walk-In Care will transition its services to a co-located model within the MRH Primary Care clinic. This decision comes after careful consideration and reflects the need to optimize resources while continuing to offer walk-in care to the community.
“We understand the importance of providing walk-in care services,” says Mellissa McAvoy, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer at MRH. “While the volume at MRH Walk-In Care was lower, we acknowledge its critical role in both supporting community healthcare and alleviating pressure on the Emergency Department by diverting non-critical care needs to a more appropriate setting. We are unwavering in our commitment to maintaining this essential access point for patients seeking prompt, non-emergency medical attention.”
The relocated Walk-In Care will offer a seamless patient experience:
- Open access scheduling Monday through Friday allows walk-in patients to be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A dedicated, experienced primary care provider will be available for diagnosis and treatment of minor illnesses and injuries.
- Patients will have convenient on-site access to X-ray and lab services, expediting diagnoses and treatment plans.
- The co-location with MRH Primary Care provides the Walk-In Care provider with the valuable support of the Primary Care team and the nearby Emergency Department.
This move brings significant benefits for both patients and the clinic:
- Save money, get faster care: MRH Walk-In Care offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for non-emergency medical needs. By seeking care at Walk-In Care, patients can avoid high emergency room co-pays for non-emergent issues that can be better addressed in this setting.
- Improve access to care for Veterans: MRH Walk-In Care is actively working to become a VA in-network provider. This means Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare and who’ve received care within the VA network in the past 24 months can soon use their VA urgent care benefit at MRH Walk-In Care; eliminating the need to travel to Lincoln or beyond for minor injuries and illnesses. Once approved, Veterans will be able to receive convenient, timely care closer to home.
- Enhanced financial stability: The co-located model streamlines operations, reducing redundancies in clinic staffing, housekeeping, and maintenance while eliminating the overhead of maintaining a separate building. This cost-effectiveness ensures the long-term viability of MRH services.
- Improved efficiency: Shared clinical and ancillary staff between Walk-In Care and Primary Care optimizes resource allocation and reduces wait times for patients. Additionally, the shared location allows the Walk-In Care provider to receive backup coverage from the Primary Care team, ensuring consistent service availability.
- Stronger support system: The Walk-In Care provider will benefit from the expertise and collaboration of the Primary Care and Family Medicine team, fostering a more comprehensive approach to patient care. The proximity of the Emergency Department also provides additional support for handling complex or emergent cases.
“The decision to streamline our Walk-In Care operations reflects the financial realities facing critical access hospitals nationwide,” explains MRH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Robert Peterson. “By balancing patient needs with cost-effectiveness, we ensure MRH’s continued presence and ability to deliver quality care, expand service offerings, and create vibrant healthcare career opportunities in our community.”
Recognizing this ongoing commitment, and the community’s need for access to urgent care, MRH has secured a qualified locum provider to staff Walk-In Care while the search for a permanent provider continues. This temporary staffing measure allows for a swift reopening, with administrators targeting a July timeframe for services to resume. Specific details about clinic hours and appointment availability will be shared closer to the reopening date.
Qualified Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) seeking a rewarding career can make a significant impact by joining the dedicated MRH Walk-In Care team. Learn more about the role and apply at mrhme.org/careers or by emailing mmcavoy@mrhme.org.
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About Millinocket Regional Hospital
Millinocket Regional Hospital (MRH) is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital nestled at the base of Baxter State Park that provides vital healthcare services to those who live, work, and play in the Katahdin Region. Beyond the friendly staff and award-winning, individualized patient care, MRH provides acute inpatient and outpatient services as well as an impressive range of general and specialty services from orthopedic and general surgery to cancer care.
Providing jobs to approximately 250 people, MRH is the largest employer in the Katahdin Region and a crucial economic driver within its community. For more information, visit mrhme.org or find us on Facebook!