Story Created:
Mar 10, 2010 at 5:54 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Mar 10, 2010 at 11:59 PM CDT
HAZEL, KY- Robert McDermott has emphysema and even a few steps can wear him out. That means, even a trip to the doctor's office (the closest one is ten miles away) can be too much- but that's all changing.
The Murray Calloway County Hospital's 'Health Express' bus now parks right next to his house on Wednesdays which means the 82-year-old can stay in town for the basic checkups he sometimes skips.
"I'm trying to catch my breath," he tells one of the two nurses aboard the bus.
Front to back, the bus stretches 37 feet. Workers on board say they are limited to what they can get done. A nurse practitioner say they will focus on things like vaccinations, treating acute illnesses- things residents of Hazel might have otherwise ignored.
"People who live in more rural areas will use this facility to get their health care needs and come to it and use it more often," Murray-Calloway County Hospital CEO Keith Bailey said, just minutes after cutting a ribbon Wednesday morning.
That's people like Brent Lee who said of his family, "We don't like hospitals, we try to stay away as much as we can."
Lee lives just three blocks away from the Health Express' parking spot next to BB&T Bank and admits the convenience may change his outlook on health care.
The same can be said for Robert McDermott who says he'll be back next Wednesday.
"It sure is handy," he said, exiting the bus.
Murray-Calloway County Hospital says this is a pilot program. The bus will visit Hazel every Wednesday for the next six months. If the program gets enough response, the hospital says they will consider visiting other rural communities.
Those interested in an appointment may stop by the the 'Health Express' in Hazel Wednesdays from 9-4 or call 270-753-0704.
