Residents of Great Bend and surrounding communities now have a convenient alternative to going to the emergency room or waiting to see their primary care physician when sick.
Great Bend Regional Hospital is expanding its Emergency Department and opening an Immediate Care clinic.  Immediate Care services will open to the public starting at noon Monday, Feb. 3.  The GBRH Immediate Care clinic is open 7 days a week from noon until 8 p.m.
GBRH Immediate Care is located at 514 Cleveland St.; follow the signage and come to the east side of the hospital. Enter the hospital through the entrance under the “EMERGENCY” sign. The Immediate Care is adjacent to the hospital’s ER.  
Dr. Rahul Singh is an emergency care physician, who sees firsthand the need for this type of service within the hospital.  
“Immediate Care Clinic can help fulfill a need for patients who have minor (non-emergency) medical needs or simple injuries and desire to see a provider that same day. Not only is an Immediate Care clinic much more cost-effective for patients, but is also a quicker, no-appointment-needed evaluation and quality care.”
Great Bend Regional Hospital’s goal is to provide quality medical care at affordable rates, hospital spokesman Pam Chambers said. A co-pay is collected at the time of services; however if insurance card is not provided a $50 payment will be collected. All tests or lab tests ran will be an additional fee.
Appropriate illnesses and injuries seen in the Immediate Care include: Cold and flu, fever, sore throats, earaches, sinus infections, urinary problems, abdominal pain, strains, sprains, minor fractures, cuts and burns.  
For more information on Great Bend Regional Hospital’s Immediate Care Clinic visit the website, www.gbregional.com.