The physicians and employees at Covington Family Care hope that no one is sick during the holiday weekend. But for those who need a doctor, the practice now offers urgent care on the weekends.

Manager Suzanne Boyington said beginning in November, the practice began offering urgent care for non-emergencies on the weekends, opening from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sundays.

“We have a physician and two physician assistants on weekends,” Boyington said.

She said after years in practice, her husband, Dr. Roger Boyington, felt there was a need for the service.

“We know that there are people who find it hard to get in to be seen for well care, sickness, whatever, who don’t want to miss work, and that’s why we open at 7:30 every day,” she said. “As it is, if you need medical care on the weekend, it’s a trip to the ER when it may it not be a true emergency, or an out-of-town trip.

“If you get sick Friday night and can get treatment, you could be well by Monday, if you can start the healing process,” she said. “From his years in practice, he’s seen and heard stories that he felt like the services were needed. We are pleased that we got to the point that we could offer this.”

Appointments and walk-ins can be accommodated she said. Services available include sutures for minor accidents, X-ray, ultrasound, lab work, IV therapy, and a health care provider for urgent needs.

“If it’s serious, we certainly would send the patient to the hospital,” Boyington said.

Dr. Boyington, Larry Norris, P.A., and Michelle Nicholas, P.A., will see patients during weekend hours.

Covington Family Care is located at 508 E. Three Notch St.

-Michele Gerlach