After-hours Novant's Women's Urgent Care serves as alternative to ER.

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By Gina Esposito

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Novant Hospital opened an after-hours urgent care center for women after seeing a huge need in the Charlotte area.

The Woman's Urgent Care Center opened in August off Southmoor Drive in the Waverly shopping center and averages 50 patients a week.

Dr. Augustus Parker, the clinic's medical director, told Channel 9 the clinic continues to see more patients per week, and it has been trying to let more doctor's offices know about the service.

Parker said patients come in with a wide variety of Ob-Gyn issues. Many women seek treatment for urinary tract infections, while others need help with pregnancy concerns.

"We don’t take scheduled appointments, per se, for routine things, so it is the more urgent needs that we are addressing," Parker said.

Parker said the clinic offers specialized equipment and testing for pregnant women who can't wait until the next day to see their doctor.

"With some of the specialized testing, we have the ability to do ultranology, which is unique for this type of setting,” Parker said. “We have radiology, ultrasonology and stress testing, which is putting the baby on the monitor to assess fetal well-being so we can reassure mom, and us, that the baby is doing well."

The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The clinic will be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Novant has been trying to create more alternatives to the emergency room. Last fall, Novant opened after-hours Black and Blue clinics on Friday and Saturday nights specifically for high school football players and cheerleaders who were injured during football games.

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