January 10, 2013

Des Moines Hospitals Ask Community to Utilize Local Clinics and Urgent Care Centers

(Des Moines, Iowa) — Local emergency rooms are currently experiencing heavy volumes of patients and long wait times due to a large number of cases of influenza, resulting in increased admissions at metro hospitals. In order to ensure access for the seriously ill, and to protect patients and health care staff, Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines (Central, West Lakes and Franklin campuses), Iowa Health – Des Moines hospitals (Methodist, Lutheran, Blank Children’s and Methodist West) and Broadlawns Medical Center are asking community members to refrain from visiting emergency rooms for non-emergent medical care.

Individuals experiencing non-life-threatening illnesses who need to see a doctor today and are unable to get an appointment with their primary health care provider are encouraged to seek treatment from a local urgent care or walk-in clinic. Information regarding local clinics can be found online at www.broadlawns.org, www.iowahealth.org and www.mercydesmoines.org. A listing of free clinics is also available at www.idph.state.ia.us or the public can contact their County Health Department for additional information.

In an effort to protect patients, families and health care staff, visitors to Mercy Medical – Des Moines and Iowa Health – Des Moines facilities will be limited. These restrictions are temporary for the flu season and are subject to change as necessary. The visitor limitations include:

• No more than two visitors at a time.
• Visitors need to be 18 years of age and older.
• Exceptions may be made for cases involving critically-ill patients or end-of-life situations.

The following guidelines should be used in order to help prevent the spread of illness:

• Wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizing gel frequently.
• Remember to cough and/or sneeze into your arm or shoulder or use a tissue. The spread of germs can be reduced by coughing into your clothing. Avoid covering your mouth with your hands, as the germs can easily be passed through direct contact with surfaces or people.
• If you are treated by a doctor, be sure to ask how long it will take until you no longer pose an infection risk to others.
• If you have not already received the flu vaccination, contact your local health care provider or County Health Department to make arrangements to receive the vaccine.

 

The Des Moines area hospitals remain ready and available to answer any questions and provide medical services should you need them. Thank you in advance for your assistance during this busy time.

Downloadable PDF

 

Broadlawns Medical Center

Walk In Clinic

The Walk In Clinic is located on the first floor of the main building of Broadlawns Medical Center.

Clinic Hours
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To contact the clinic, call 515.282.2331

 

Family Health Center

The Broadlawns Family Health Center provides primary health care for the entire family, for a lifetime of comprehensive care. Prenatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric and behavioral health care needs.
Center Hours
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, call 515.282.2334

 

Pediatric Clinic

The Pediatric Clinic is located on the second floor of Broadlawns Medical Center. We have interpreters available for several languages, including Spanish.
Clinic Hours
Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call: 282.2331.

 


Iowa Health Des Moines

Wait times for urgent care clinics are listed online at www.iowahealth.org.

Ankeny Clinic

1105 N. Ankeny Blvd.
964-4600
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Lakeview Family Medicine

6000 University Ave., Ste. 101
241-2600
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Merle Hay Family Medicine

4631 Merle Hay Rd.
278-0949
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Southglen Family Medicine

7481 Highway 65/69
953-1500
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Urbandale Family Physicians

2901 86th St.
276-3406
Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

Mercy Urgent Care Clinics

All Mercy Urgent Care Clinics located in the Des Moines metro area are open Monday through Friday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  No appointment is necessary. 

Mercy East Urgent Care

5900 E. University Avenue, Des Moines
643-2400

 

Mercy East Village Urgent Care

1350 Des Moines St., Des Moines
643-0833

 

Mercy Indianola Urgent Care

307 E. Scenic Valley Ave., Indianola
961-8448
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
    Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.

 

Mercy North Urgent Care

800 E. 1st Street, Suite 1500, Ankeny
643-8100

 

Mercy South Urgent Care

6601 SW 9th St., Des Moines
643-9400

 

Mercy West Urgent Care

1601 NW 114th Street, Clive
222-7010

 

Mercy Quick Care Clinics

Downtown Skywalk:

Capital Square, 400 Locust St., Skywalk Level
282-7207
Hours: Mon. - Fri., 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dahl’s Foods Stores:

15500 Hickman Road, Clive, 987-1511

3425 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines, 255-3758

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.