Officials with UNC Health Southeastern are urging the public to visit their primary care physician or use local urgent care clinics for all health conditions not requiring emergency care as currently all staffed beds at the medical center are occupied and patients seeking admission are facing delays.
While the medical center is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases, the current surge is the result of various health conditions.
“Individuals with true emergencies, such as trauma or chest pain, should not hesitate to come in for emergency care,” said Renae Taylor, UNC Health Southeastern Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive. “Patients who do seek care from our emergency department will be treated in order of the seriousness of their condition, therefore individuals who seek emergency care for minor health issues will likely face extensive delays and, for that reason, we are encouraging them to seek alternatives for their care.”
Individuals who feel they may be sick and need to seek non-emergency medical care may visit a UNC Health Southeastern primary care or walk-in clinic. Sick appointments may be scheduled by calling the clinic direct or scheduling through the call center at 1-844-735-8864. The walk-in clinics which do not require an appointment include: Southeastern Health Mall Clinic on the campus of Biggs Park Mall, Southeastern Multi-Specialty and Urgent Care Pembroke, Southeastern Multi-Specialty and Urgent Care Whiteville, and The Clinic at Walmart in the Lumberton Walmart Supercenter.
Individuals interested in scheduling an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine, which has shown to reduce the likelihood of serious illness and hospitalization, may schedule vaccination appointments by calling UNC Health Southeastern primary care clinics direct or scheduling through the call center at 1-844-735-8864.
For a complete clinic listing with hours and phone numbers, logon to www.southeasternhealth.org and click on “Services,” “Physician Services,” and “Primary Care Clinics.”
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