CONTRIBUTED.
PINEHURST, N.C. – As COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the Sandhills, FirstHealth of the Carolinas is reminding members of the community that it offers multiple layers of care to address all medical needs.
FirstHealth’s four hospitals are dealing with a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. On Thursday, 100 COVID-positive patients were being treated in hospitals across the FirstHealth system.
“We have seen a dramatic increase in COVID-positive patients, and our hospitals and emergency departments are certainly feeling the strain of that rise,” FirstHealth Chief Medical Officer, Jenifir Bruno, M.D., said. “We encourage patients to only come to the emergency room if you’re experiencing an emergency. Luckily, FirstHealth is positioned to provide care in many ways throughout the communities we serve, from our primary and convenient care clinics and even virtually.”
FirstHealth’s nine Convenient Care clinics can treat urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses like sore throat, urinary tract infections, simple cuts and burns, sprains and more. They also offer COVID-19 testing. Appointments are not required, and patients can check in and register from their car to ensure a safe environment. FirstHealth’s Convenient Care locations are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week, and the Pinehurst location is open 8 a.m. to midnight.
“We are ready to serve patients at all times, but we do want people to know that our primary care and convenient care clinics are well equipped to take care of a wide range of medical needs,” Dan Barnes, D.O., president of FirstHealth Physician Group, said. “Convenient Care can assist with urgent but non-life-threatening illnesses, and our locations have flexible hours.”
FirstHealth Primary Care providers are continuing to deliver routine care to patients, including wellness visits and normal appointments. There is also a virtual option thanks to the FirstHealth On the Go app.
Whether it’s in the middle of the night or over the weekend, On the Go is available. See a provider via laptop, tablet or smartphone. Download the app on your Android or Apple device or get started online. On the Go eliminates the waiting game and ensures that a less-than-ideal timeline doesn’t impact your ability to receive quality medical treatment. Providers can offer advice, recommend treatment and prescribe medications.
