Local med professionals to lead DWM clinic

On Monday, Oct. 3. 2016, residents of this area will have an additional place to go for medical care.

D. W. McMillan Hospital will open its new After Hours Clinic, which should alleviate the number of those who use the Emergency Room. Patients will be able to choose to be treated in the ER or go to the Clinic for minor needs.

Of course, the Clinic is right there near the ER and if a doctor is needed, they are available.

The After Hours Clinic is located next to the ER in the outpatient wing of the hospital. It will be staffed by Gray Garrett, CRNP and Mallory Mullis, PA-C on a rotating basis. Doctor Scott Nelson and Dr. Elizabeth Bataglia will be the physicians available from the ER, in case they are needed in the Clinic.

“We wanted to offer this service in order to provide an option other than the Emergency Room for patients who have after hours non-emergent conditions,” said Garrett. “We are hoping the After Hours Clinic will provide a convenient and less costly alternative for patients who are in need of after hours non-emergency care.”

According to hospital officials, standard office co pays will apply for the Clinic and it will be open Monday-Friday from 4 to 11 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. They can be reached by calling 251-809-8439.

Garrett, a nurse practitioner, is a graduate of The University of Alabama – Capstone College of Nursing and a graduate of The University of Alabama at Birmingham, with two master of science in nursing degrees. She is married to Brewton attorney Kirk Garrett and is the mother of two little boys.

Mullis, a physician’s assistant, is a graduate of Fairfield University with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and The University of South Alabama’s physician assistant program with a master’s degree in health science. She is a native of Brewton, a graduate of T.R. Miller High School, and engaged to Bryce Agerton of Brewton.

“I am excited to be back in my home town, Mullis said. “This community has been my home all my life and we have a connection to those who live in this area. We live here and are interested in this area. That makes a big difference in people’s perception. I am so happy to be back in Brewton working in the community that helped shape me into what I am today. I look forward to helping fulfill the medical needs of our local residents. We are excited and very thankful for everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen.”

Chris Griffin, hospital administrator, said he is happy that D.W. McMillan Hospital is able to partner with the new team.

“We are very fortunate to have both Gray and Mallory join our healthcare team here at McMillan. They both clearly represent the type of quality healthcare providers we are trying to attract to our community. Our After Hours Clinic will open as our local physician offices are ending their clinic day or when our local physician offices are closed. We are hopeful our new service will attract members of our community who might be traveling out of town for their non emergent medical needs during the time their primary local physician’s office is closed.”

Jason Daniel, DWM marketing director, said he wants to get the word out about this new service.

“One of our goals is to get the word out to the public,” Daniel said. “We will be happy to come to your clubs, organizations or schools to answer any questions anyone has about this new service. Call us at 809-8439.”