SGMC Announces Changes to Youth Care

South Georgia Medical Center is planning a series of changes affecting its Youth Care and Phone Triage services.  On Monday, April 30, Youth Care, SGMC’s after-hours pediatric clinic, will move from its current location in the main building to the Ashley Street Outpatient Center, 2330 North Ashley St., to make way for construction of the hospital’s new patient tower.  In its new location on the corner of Cowart and North Ashley St., Youth Care’s hours will remain the same, Monday – Friday, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm; and Saturday – Sunday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.  Directional signage will be posted to help guide clinic users to the new location.“We are excited about this larger, more convenient location for Youth Care. This facility was designed as a clinic with easy access and ample parking,” said Andrew Flemer, SGMC COO.Also on April 30, the Pediatric Phone Triage service operated free-of-charge by SGMC will end.  According to Ken Kiser, chief nursing officer, the product vendor has discontinued the Phone Triage service that we have used for many years.  Kiser stated, “Most insurance providers are now operating nurse call lines.”  Kiser urges parents to look on the back of insurance cards for toll-free nurse call services.  After-hours pediatric clinics operate similarly to a doctor’s office and treat non-emergent minor conditions such as earaches and flu. “Please don’t confuse us with a pediatric emergency department because we are not equipped to deliver emergency care,” Kiser explained. “Parents are advised to use the services of the emergency department or call 911 if you believe a child has a severe or life-threatening emergency.”For questions or directions after April 30, call Youth Care at 249-KIDS (249-5437) or visit the Youth Care link at www.sgmc.org.