Do You Need to Reach Us After Normal Business Hours?
Need care after hours? New Bedford Community Health has you covered! Even when our doors are closed, our team is still here to help. Whether you need medical advice or urgent care options, we’re just a call away—because your health doesn’t wait, and neither do we.
- Should an urgent need occur and you need our services when the health center is closed, medical advice is always available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our after-hours on-call service.
- To reach us after-hours, call the Health Center’s main line: (508) 992-6553.
- If you experience a medical emergency, please call 911 and if necessary proceed to the nearest emergency room (ER).
When to go to the Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care
When to go to the Emergency Room
If you’re experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. However, for non-emergency medical concerns, the ER may not always be the best option—our after-hours services can help connect you to the right care when you need it. Seek emergency care for:
- Suspected stroke or heart attack
- Asthma Attack (severe)
- Severe broken bones or bleeding
- Severe burns or electrical shock
- Severe head, neck, spinal cord, back, or eye injuries
- Seizures
- Poisoning
- Drug overdose
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Animal, snake, or human bites
- Infants under the age of 2 months with a fever
- Signs of allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, eyes, or tongue, fainting, or trouble breathing
When to go to Urgent Care
Urgent care is a great option for non-life-threatening issues like minor injuries, infections, or illnesses that can’t wait for a regular doctor’s visit. Some reason to visit an Urgent Care Center include:
- Ear pain or infections
- Simple cuts, burns, wounds, or stitches
- Allergies
- Asthma Attack (mild or moderate)
- Minor broken bones
- Cough, cold, flu-like, and COVID-19 symptoms
- Sore throat
- Muscle sprains, strains, bumps, and bruises
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Eye irritation or conjunctivitis
- Skin rashes
- Painful urination
- Sexually Transmitted Infection testing
In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. If this is not an emergency and you need urgent care, call the health center, speak with a nurse and you will be given medical advice and follow up care for your needs.