University Health Center officials said a new “After Hours NurseLine” offered this semester could provide students healthcare advice when the center is closed, a move they hope will help students decide whether to seek emergency care.
The service was added to health center offerings after parents voiced concerns about the healthcare availability when the center is closed, said Health Center Director Sacared Bodison.
Students have voiced frequent concern about health center hours since 2003, when budget cuts prompted the center to slash operating hours in order to cut costs. At one time the health center offered 24-hour care, Bodison said, but it was expensive and not used by many students. The health center has no plans to extend its hours, she said.
The After Hours NurseLine is the first official move since the budget cuts to address gaps in care felt by students in the shortened hours.
“We’re trying this because it’s the most economical and easiest for students to access,” Health Center Coordinator Pat Johnston said.
Other students said budget cuts should not come at the expense of student health.
“Look at all the tuition we pay,” said senior Spanish major Antoinette Flumo, who injured her foot on a weekend last semester and had trouble getting to a hospital for care. “It’s not the most direct way to get the help that you need but if they’re not going to put funds into having someone there on the weekend, having a hotline is the next best thing. “
Students can call NurseLine to get advice from a registered nurse on minor injuries, illnesses, health, medicine, nutrition and fitness when the health center is closed, health center physician Dr. Gail Lee said. To use it, students should dial the main health center number, (301) 314-9386, and are prompted to enter their student ID number.
“If they’re sick in the middle of the night, people don’t necessarily know if they need to go to the emergency room,” Lee said. “It will save some [students from] visits to the emergency room or from worrying.”
So far, Lee hasn’t received notice of any calls, but the service is new and many students may be unaware that it is available, she said.
Contact reporter Sharahn Boykin at boykindbk@gmail.com.
