According to Lisa Crowder, the interim nurse manager at the health department, this decision went into effect on Sept. 15 following the retirement of the two part-time nurse practitioners who serviced the clinic.
“It was basically a situation where we didn’t have the resources,” she said.
Crowder said the center served 20-30 patients a month for general and controlled illnesses or symptoms.
If a patient’s condition was an emergency of some kind or an untreated or uncontrolled illness, they would be referred to a hospital emergency room or a physician, she explained.
Although there was not an in-house physician in the clinic, the nurse practitioners worked closely with a local doctor and were able to provide basic care for typical illnesses suffered by patients such as the common cold.
“Some of our patients just chose to come to our nurse practitioners because they thought it was more personal,” she said.
Patients who used the general services provided by this clinic, can now visit local walk-in clinics in the area or go to private, primary care physicians.
The health department still offers a wide range of services to the public, according to Crowder, including family planning, a breast and cervical cancer program, and programs for children and children with special needs.
The health department is also currently offering flu shots to citizens of Gordon County for $20.
“I encourage anyone to call the health department if they’re curious about the services we offer,” said Crowder. “If we don’t have it, we can help them find someone who does.”
For more information on what services are provided by the Gordon County Health department call (706) 624-1444.
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