DirectCare of Parsons announces to its staff Wednesday that they will still have the walk-in and laboratory care services, but appointments for family care will no longer be offered at this time. Officials said there will be no change in the availability of Community Care Pharmacy services.
By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Many residents are asking if the reduction in services offered at DirectCare of Parsons means they are going to close – but officials have said that the cutback in services offered is in no way reflective of plans to close DirectCare of Parsons. Carl Nichols, vice president of professional services said a continued decline in utilization of the urgent care clinic in Parsons led to the change in patient hours.
“We understand the need in this community for convenient access to quality walk-in care,” Nichols said. “DirectCare of Parsons will provide the same level of walk-in and laboratory care services, but we made the decision to reduce our hours due to a drop in utilization which has occurred over the past two years. Appointments for family care will not be offered at this time.”
In a press release issued Friday, DirectCare of Parsons officials said the walk-in and extended hours care is provided for patients with acute, non-emergent conditions like sore throats, and ear aches and unexpected injuries like burns, sprains, strains and cuts. On-site laboratory services and Community Care Pharmacy are also available.
“Davis Health System continually assesses the needs of its communities with the services we provide. Tucker County residents have access to outstanding healthcare providers through DirectCare of Parsons, the St. George Clinic and the West Virginia School Based Health Assembly at Tucker Valley Elementary Middle School. There is also family medicine and specialty care available in Thomas,” Nichols said. “We are focusing on access to convenient walk-in care.”
The new hours of operation effective Monday, Aug. 8, are Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lab draws will be available Monday through Thursday beginning at 7:30 a.m.
“Moving forward rural communities like ours will continue to be challenged by low population and economic growth. As a result, there will be a greater need for collaboration among all healthcare providers, and less duplication of the services already available in those communities,” Nichols said. “Davis Health System has been a vital part of the Tucker County healthcare delivery system for a long time and we will continue to serve our neighbors through access to high-quality patient care.”
DirectCare of Parsons (DCP) is located at 149 Ivy Lane in Parsons. Additional information is available by calling 304-478-2511.