BUCKHANNON — St. Joseph’s Hospital Emergency Department is expanding its capacity for those ill from COVID infection or other serious illnesses. 

This expansion will temporarily limit access to the PromptCare walk-in clinic for those with minor illnesses. It will allow the Emergency Department to reduce wait times for those needing emergency care.

“We apologize to those patients whom have had longer wait times than normal,“ said Skip Gjolberg, President of St. Joseph’s Hospital. “This decision will help us better serve our patients and our community.”

For those needing care for minor illnesses or injuries, we encourage you to go to your primary care provider. Providers can be seen by in-person appointments, via a virtual visit accessed by your MyWVUChart account, or by a telephone visit.

Providers accepting new patients include:  Matthan Jackson, DO, 304-460-7960;  Robert P. Romano, DO, 304-460-7925;  Victoria Strick, MD, 304-473-2305; Danielle Ware, DO; 304-473-2202; Kara Black, PA-C, 304-472-6041; Katheryn Marsh, FNP-C, 304-460-7925, and Jessica Mongold, FNP-C, 304-472-6041, seeing patients newborn to age 18.

In addition, Community Care of West Virginia has CareXpress, a walk-in clinic located in Buckhannon at 4 Northridge Drive. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  They can be reached at 304-473-1440.

In addition, St. Joseph’s Hospital has also expanded its COVID testing hours. If you think you may have been exposed, testing is available at the drive-through trailer set up outside of the hospital. Testing is now available seven days a week: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are two types of testing. The free state testing does not require a physician’s order and you will receive your results in approximately three to five business days. If you need results more quickly, a provider’s order is required. Patients needing testing are asked to go directly to the trailer and not enter the hospital. 

St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Nurse Triage Line is also available for any questions you may have about COVID.  The Nurse Triage Line is staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 304-473-2161. 

With the increase in the highly contagious Delta variant and the FDA’s full approval of the Pfizer Vaccine earlier this week, we strongly urge to you to get your vaccination. The COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe disease and death. Vaccines are available through your primary care provider and at local pharmacies.

Vaccinated people can also spread the virus to others so avoiding close contact with those who are sick; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; washing your hands with soap and water; and wearing a mask indoors are additional steps you can take to help stop the spread of this highly contagious strain of COVID-19.