Convenience and access are among the top reasons patients turn to urgent care. In an effort to meet increased demand for these services in the northern part of Lancaster County, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health opened its sixth urgent care in Lititz on Aug. 29.
“Expanding comprehensive, high-quality services to our Kissel Hill location makes it easier for patients to receive care, and aids in the well-being of the Lititz community,” said Rich Paoletti, vice president, Primary Care and Ambulatory Network.
In addition to being open 14 hours a day, seven days a week, LG Health Urgent Care at Kissel Hill offers expanded services and treatments that are not available in a typical urgent care facility. These services include the ability to administer IV fluids for dehydration, treatment rooms that have the capability to observe patients for several hours, increased capabilities for asthma treatment and increased pain diagnostics.
The $8.9 million expansion also features a new on-site pharmacy, in addition to the existing primary- and pediatric-care, sports medicine, physical therapy, laboratory, sleep and imaging diagnostic services.
“The urgent care offers extended hours to provide care when a patient’s primary care provider isn’t available, especially nights and weekends, when minor illnesses and injuries often occur,” said Stacey Harris, director of operations. “Enhanced services and treatments at this location provide a convenient option for patients who don’t require emergency care.”
Last year, more than 117,600 patients visited the Emergency Department at Lancaster General Hospital. In alignment with LG Health’s goals, opening an urgent care in Lititz increases patient access to medical care for urgent, but not emergent needs, improving their overall experience, all while decreasing patient visits to the Emergency Department.