PIKEVILLE — In response to President Barack Obama’s Emergency Declaration due to the flu outbreak across the nation, Pikeville Medical Center’s Family Practice Clinic has announced the opening of a 24-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week center dedicated to providing quality care in a Christian atmosphere to patients experiencing flu or flu-like symptoms.

The Pikeville Medical Regional Flu Center will open at 8 a.m., November 2, in the former Free Screening Center, located on North Mayo Trail in Pikeville beside Advance Auto Parts. The facility will be fully staffed with physicians, registered nurses and other health care professionals, and it will offer complete testing, x-ray, and lab services.

“We have implemented a proactive approach to combating the flu virus in our communities,” Pikeville Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer Walter E. May said. “This is a very serious issue, and we stand ready to meet the challenges that may arise from this virus.”

Pikeville Medical Center has also announced additional precautionary measures for the public to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients, visitors and hospital staff. 

Effective November 2, the hospital will only permit visitors through the May Tower, Leonard Lawson Cancer Center, Emergency Department and Heart Institute entrances. The Heart Institute entrance will only be open during regular business hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Also, effective November 2, visitors under the age of 12 will not be permitted in the hospital. All other visitors, who have the flu or are experiencing flu-like symptoms, will also not be permitted in the hospital.

“With the flu virus spreading at record levels this early in the season, we feel the precautionary measures we have in place will help contain the spread of the virus to not only our patients but also visitors and employees,” May added. “During this time, we ask visitors to be vigilant, utilize the automated hand sanitizer dispensers located throughout the hospital and thoroughly wash their hands with soap and warm water before and after visiting a patient.”

Pikeville Medical Center has also placed respiratory hygiene stations at the May Tower, Heart Institute and Emergency Room entrances. These stations have masks, automated hand sanitizer dispensers and educational materials.

May said patients should utilize the hospital’s Regional Flu Center, especially if they wish to be tested for the virus.

“If you are concerned that you may have the flu and wish to be tested, please go to the Regional Flu Center,” May continued. “This will help eliminate the spread of the virus to the general population of the hospital. Patients coming to our Regional Flu Center will be seen by a physician and an appropriate diagnosis will be made. If a patient needs to be admitted to the hospital, they will be referred to the hospital.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 31 cases of the H1N1 virus throughout Pike, Floyd and Letcher counties. The flu outbreak prompted school officials in Pike and Floyd counties to cancel classes on Oct. 27 for the remainder of the week.

“We applaud school officials for their efforts in keeping the virus contained at their facilities,” May said. “Our hospital continues to monitor the flu outbreak closely with city, local, state and federal officials.”

For more information on the Pikeville Medical Regional Flu Center, please call (606) 437-1887.