BHS to Close Walk-In Clinic at Pittsfield's Market 32
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems says its new Urgent Care Facility on East Street is working so well that it's closing Walk-In Care Clinic inside the Market 32.
The BHS Walk-In, located inside Market 32 near its Pharmacy, will close on Friday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. The clinic will remain open for its regular hours, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until the 26th.
The clinic was opened over a year ago to treat minor injuries and illnesses at a lower cost and speedier pace than the emergency room and was staffed by a licensed nurse practitioner
BHS also opened a walk-in clinic at Williamstown Medical Associate that will continue to operate weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
When the BHS Walk-In in Pittsfield first opened in April 2015, and for many months after, the site cared for an average of 50 patients per week, with a high of nearly 100 per week during peak times. Most recently, the number of patients has declined significantly, with many choosing to visit the BHS Urgent Care facility, which opened in September 2015 and provides a greater range of services.
"Berkshire Health Systems thanks Price Chopper and Market 32 for partnering on the walk-in clinic by providing a convenient and easily accessible location within the new Market 32 in Pittsfield," said Brenda Cadorette, vice president of acute care for Berkshire Medical Center. "It's early success validated the community need for walk-in services and helped in the final development of the more comprehensive BHS Urgent Care Facility.”
BHS says it remains committed to providing care for everyday minor emergencies with quality, convenience and timely urgent care services. BHS Urgent Care is now open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, including weekends and most holidays. An expansion project is also planned to add exam rooms and provide new services to meet patient needs within their busy schedules.
BHS Urgent Care provides immediate and affordable care for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses for those who cannot see their physician. These include bronchitis, cold and flu symptoms, allergy symptoms, eye, ear and throat complaints, sprains and fractures, lacerations, rashes, abscess drainage and more. In addition, BHS Urgent Care is available for both adult and pediatric illnesses and injuries and has on-site X-ray and laboratory services for streptococcus testing, urinalysis and urine pregnancy test, blood sugar, and other routine blood tests. All X-ray and blood tests are available for immediate review to best direct treatment and care plans. BHS Urgent Care also provides access to flu vaccine and tetanus shots. Medical information is integrated and readily available to primary-care physicians or consulting doctors when a followup is needed.
No appointments are needed at BHS Urgent Care. Most insurance plans are accepted, or the patient can choose affordable self-pay. Physician referral may be required, depending on the individual's insurance plan.
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