BY BRANDY TEMPLETON

Six months after announcing plans to open a new urgent care in Statesville, Iredell Health System held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility at 1540 East Broad Street on Friday.

President & CEO John Green said the need for the new urgent care became apparent following the closure of Davis Regional Medical Center last August, which he likened to a “seismic” event in health care for the community.

“When they announced they were closing their acute care services, it really changed our vision,” he said. “We had to look at not just taking care of the folks we were already taking care of but also recognizing there was a lot more need.”

Iredell Urgent Care – Statesville represents a $1.4 million investment in community health care that officials hope will reduce wait times for patients with more acute needs at the Iredell Memorial Hospital Emergency Department.

The doors will open to patients on Tuesday, June 20. Hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The extended hours mean patients can get care in the early morning and evening hours without going to the Emergency Department.

“We are open seven days a week,” said Damon Hays, vice president of the Iredell Physician Network. “We want to be open as often as we can.”

Iredell Urgent Care – Statesville features 14 exam rooms, X-ray equipment and a procedure room.

Hays anticipates the providers will see at least 40 to 50 patients per day in the beginning.

“We will work side by side with the hospital,” he said. “If it gets too busy or if the urgent care can’t meet a need, we’ll partner with the hospital.”

The new facility will be the “sister” facility to Iredell Health System’s urgent care located at 653 Bluefield Road in Mooresville. The Mooresville location offers 24/7 care.

Iredell Health System officials expressed their appreciation for the work G.L. Wilson Building Co., Sir Speedy and Four Corners Framing & Gallery did on the project.

Photos