It's a fact of parenthood – at some point your child will probably need medical attention after hours. Injuries and illness just don't seem to happen when it's convenient to schedule an appointment. When this happens, parents can turn to Alegent Health Clinic Pediatric Express Care at Bergan Mercy Medical Center, 7500 Mercy Road.

Pediatric Express Care, an after-hours urgent care clinic designed for kids up to age 18, is staffed by Alegent Health Clinic pediatricians, family practice physicians and nurses. It offers specialized pediatric care when your usual care provider is closed.

Pediatric Express Care is open week nights from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., weekends from noon to 10 p.m., and even holidays. Care is provided in a child-friendly environment by board-certified Alegent Health Clinic physicians like pediatrician Sarah Broadhead, M.D.

Dr. Broadhead became a pediatrician because of her love for children and a desire to work with them. Although she sees a variety of pediatric issues at the clinic, the most common visits are for fever, cough/congestion, ear pain, sore throat or minor injury. As a mother herself, she understands the value of an after-hours pediatric facility.

"We handle just about all the acute pediatric problems that you would see your primary care physician for," said Dr. Broadhead. "Like an Urgent Care or Emergency Department, we are a walk-in clinic with no appointment necessary, but the difference is that your child will be taken care of by board-certified pediatricians, family practice physicians and experienced pediatric nurses here."

Recently, the real value of Pediatric Express Care's location at Bergan Mercy was realized for a young patient suffering from severe abdominal pain. Dr. Broadhead and staff quickly diagnosed appendicitis and immediately transported the child for an emergency appendectomy.

"The unique aspect of Pediatric Express Care is that we are located next to the Emergency Department, so if a higher level of care is needed for your child, it is right next door," Dr. Broadhead added.

Pediatric Express Care will follow-up with your child's doctor, providing information about the visit and any recommendations.

Pediatric Express Care is located just inside the Emergency Department entrance at Bergan Mercy. Special parking is available for Pediatric Express Care patients.

If you need a family physician, visit our online directory at alegent.com/doctors.