OSF Urgo brings Ottawa quicker, accessible health care

A new building is rising up at 2901 Columbus St. in Ottawa, across West Etna Road from Thorntons gas station, and it’s recently been unveiled as OSF’s new Urgo clinic.

Karen Brodbeck, vice president for public relations, said in an email OSF Urgo is a center offering urgent care “for people on the go,” where its name is derived, and the new building is expected to open in late spring.

OSF Urgo is designed for busy families in increasing accessibility to healthcare options and reducing the time spent at the facility while complementing other options in the area such as OSF OnCall and the OSF Promptcare facilities on Ottawa’s North and South sides.

The new facility will treat allergies, cold or flu symptoms, earaches, fevers, foreign objects in eyes or nose, headaches, minor allergic reactions, rashes, poison ivy, scrapes, minor cuts, sore throats, sprains or breaks, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory infections as well as minor fractures, burns, bruises, among others. They’ll also be able to offer physicals, injury care, drug testing and sports physicals and will have a diagnostic lab and X-ray services on-site.

Broadbeck said OSF Urgo is a good alternative to the emergency room if someone is ill or has suffered a minor injury that is not an immediate threat to their life or health.

While their other facilities may be placed closer to other healthcare resources or directly attached to a hospital, the OSF Urgos are generally placed in more populated shopping districts in order to be more easily reached for those on the go throughout their usual day.

OSF Urgo will be able to book appointments online or just by walking in the door and it’s expected to be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

The OSF Urgo locations are growing and includes locations in Champaign, Peoria, Normal and Morris at 1715 N. Division Street.