Just 4 Kids Urgent Care PC raises awareness of services available to families as winter illnesses increase

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) – As the winter season marks the start of an increase in cases of colds, flu and RSV, this can sometimes lead to crowded emergency rooms at local hospitals and wait times longer. But one urgent care facility is hoping to raise awareness in the community about services available to families.

Just 4 Kids Urgent Care PC is the first-ever pediatric-specific urgent care facility in the Quad Cities. They are open seven days a week and located at 5510 Utica Ridge Road, Suite 200.

The Just 4 Kids Urgent Care PC is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The organization says it’s trying to expand those hours to ensure working families have pediatric care, especially after hours.

“We have a specialized pediatric care team because we know that children are our top priority and we are here for you when you need us most,” said Jamii Barton, office manager at Just 4 Kids Urgent Care PC.

Just 4 Kids Urgent Care PC opened in 2020 and merged with Quad Cities Pediatrics PC in 2021.

Since the merger, those who work there said it makes pediatric and urgent care even more convenient for parents.

“I wanted to create recognition within the community that we are here and ready to help children who are battling these illnesses,” said Lubna Omar, administrative liaison and speech pathologist. “Your colds, your flus, your RSVs, your nasty coughs, your fevers that will skyrocket in little kids, if they need stitches or if they have minor injuries, we are always here.”

But for Lubna Omar, the start of Just 4 Kids Urgent Care PC is personal since it was her father, Dr. Majdi Omar, who founded Quad City Pediatrics PC as well as Just 4 Kids Urgent Care PC.

“The reason he wanted to open an emergency department and did…our first ever pediatric emergency department in the Quad Cities community…that we’re very proud of…is because “He recognized the need of families,” said Lubna Omar. “In all the years he served this community as a primary care pediatrician, he recognized that many families were struggling. struggling to get same-day appointments for their children with their doctor general practitioner, or experiencing very long wait times in the emergency room. Often, I consulted providers who did not necessarily have expertise in pediatrics.

Lubna Omar said Dr. Majdi Omar wanted to fill this gap and serve the community with a center that would not only be child-friendly, but could provide families with peace of mind.

Nazir Kayali, MD, is the facility’s medical director and pediatrician.

Dr Kayali said so far this year they have seen an increase in the number of flu and RSV cases.

“This winter in particular, we have seen more RSV,” Dr. Kayali said. “We saw more influenza A. We saw COVID, strep and whooping cough. »

Dr. Kayali added that with the increase in these diseases, vaccines are available.

“We have the RSV vaccine,” said Dr. Kayali. “We highly recommend it. We’ve seen a lot of sick kids and many of them end up being taken by EMS to Iowa City or even flown to Iowa City. We don’t want to end up with really sick patients.”

Just 4 Kids Urgent Care PC raises awareness of services available to families as winter illnesses increase

To learn more about Just 4 Kids Urgent Care PC and Quad City Pediatrics PC, Click here.

TV6 contacted MercyOne Genesis about what they are seeing in their hospitals.

“The most common illnesses currently presenting to our Practical Care clinics are the flu and walking pneumonia,” said Todd Mizener, Public Relations.

A doctor at MercyOne Genesis advised patients to do the following.

“When it comes to these types of respiratory illnesses, if they cause shortness of breath and/or chest pain, patients should go to the emergency room,” said Robert D. Mizsell, MD, MercyOne Genesis.

TV6 also contacted UnityPoint Health – Trinity.

“Right now, we are seeing higher numbers of patients in our emergency departments, which could result in longer wait times,” said Kristy Phillipson with UnityPoint Health – Trinity. “As respiratory illnesses increase, we truly appreciate your patience as our team works hard to provide care as quickly and safely as possible. »