FirstHealth Announces Plans for Convenient Care Clinic in Hoke County

RAEFORD – FirstHealth of the Carolinas has announced plans to open a convenient care clinic this summer in Raeford. 

A sign marking the future location of FirstHealth FirstCare is located in front of the Walmart on Fayetteville Road.  The clinic’s address is 4565 Fayetteville Road.

Construction of the new clinic is expected to begin in March and should be complete this summer.

FirstHealth plans to staff the new convenient care clinic with a board certified emergency medicine physician.  Additional support medical staff will include physicians and physician extenders.

FirstCare will be available during extended hours on weekdays and weekends to treat acute onset illnesses and injuries for adult and pediatric patients.  Routine X-rays and lab services appropriate for the clinic will also be provided. 

“This continues FirstHealth’s efforts to increase access to necessary health care services to the residents of Hoke County,” said David Kilarksi, CEO of FirstHealth of the Carolinas.  “FirstHealth is committed to satisfying the health care needs of this county now and in future years.”

According to Kilarski, the convenient care clinic in no way substitutes FirstHealth’s plans for a hospital in Hoke County.

“This is not a substitute for the hospital and emergency room to which we at FirstHealth remain committed,” he said. “This state-of-the-art convenient care clinic is a significant addition to the health care services available to Hoke County residents.”

The convenient care clinic will provide access to medical assistance for patients who have non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries and want to avoid a longer wait in an emergency room or who develop a problem after their routine clinic closes. Co-payments at convenient care clinics are generally less expensive than for lower-level emergency room visits. 

Patients who do not have a relationship with a primary care provider can be referred to a primary care physician in the area for future wellness and preventive care and for assistance in managing chronic long-term conditions.

The clinic will treat a variety of conditions including ear and eye infections, insect bites and stings, sore throat, minor burns, cold and influenza symptoms, bronchitis, wheezing and asthma attacks, strep throat, nose bleeds, nausea and vomiting.

Influenza vaccines will also be provided.

“The new convenient care clinic helps meet an important need in our community, and it will be great to have this service available in Hoke County,” said Julian King, Hoke County resident and FirstHealth Board chair.  “Of course, this is not an emergency room or a hospital, but we’ll continue to fight for that for Hoke County.” 

A groundbreaking ceremony for FirstCare will take place in early March.

The FirstCare convenient care clinic adds to the FirstHealth services in Hoke County that already include two family care centers, a health and fitness center, an outpatient rehab center with physical therapy and a dental care center.