PMH Lifeline

Access changes coming to PMH Emergency Department

Pocahontas Memorial Hospital administration wants the public to be aware of changes coming in how they will be able to access the Emergency Department.

Beginning November 1, the Emergency Department doors at the outside entrance as well as inside the building will be secured and only those with an access card will be able to enter.

Emergency patients may still present at the emergency department entrance at the back of the hospital and medical staff will assist them.  However, all visitors will be required to enter at the front of the hospital.

This is one step PMH is taking in making the hospital environment more safe and secure.  Violence in the Emergency Department of hospitals is a growing and alarming trend.  A 2009 survey conducted by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) revealed that 25 percent of the nurse respondents had experienced physical violence more than 20 times in a three-year period and 20 percent of the respondents reported verbal abuse more than 200 times.  Emergency care providers are exposed on a daily basis to patients and visitors with drug or alcohol impairment, or suffering from psychiatric disorders.

While no incidents have occurred at PMH, the hospital wants to be proactive in safeguarding employees, patients and visitors.

Please be aware of the access changes being made and feel free to voice any concerns or questions.

New Rural Health Clinic hours and expanded ED services

New Rural Health Clinic hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend hours now offered are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month only.

Same day appointments are available. Please call the clinic at 304-799-6200 for all your family healthcare needs.

As an expanded service of the Emergency Department, Urgent Care hours will now be offered 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.