Health care system expands in region

BayCare Health System, one of the largest health care organizations in the region, has expanded to Lakeland, with its first urgent care clinic in the city. 

The new BayCare Urgent Care is at the Southgate Shopping Center, 2645 South Florida Ave. "We're thrilled to bring the first BayCare Urgent Care to Lakeland," says Jim Cote, senior vice president for Ambulatory Services at BayCare, in the statement. "Our goal is to give patients convenient access for the right level of medical care in the right place and at the right time. And we hope this service does just that."

The facility, the release states, provides a total care experience including X-rays, laboratories and EKGs. The center treats medical conditions without prior appointment including minor illnesses and injuries, flu and colds, sprains and strains, minor cuts, stings and burns. The clinic also offers school and sports physicals and occupational health services including post-hire physicals, drug screenings, treatment of workplace injuries and vaccinations, the release adds.

A nonprofit health care system, BayCare operates 15 hospitals and hundreds of other convenient locations throughout the Tampa Bay and central Florida regions.