If you’ve been putting off medical appointments due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no reason to wait. Doctor’s visits are safe and convenient — and they’re important for protecting your physical and mental health. Nashua, New Hampshire-based St. Mary’s Health System offers both in-person and telehealth visits to ensure that patients get the care they need. The hospital system has five primary care practices in southern New Hampshire, so there is a convenient location for every patient. Here are five ways that St. Mary’s Health System cares for the physical and mental health of its patients across New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts — and why you should schedule a medical appointment there today.
Extensive physician network and services
Since 1908, St. Mary’s Health System has met the growing needs of the community through innovation, leading-edge technology and the highest-quality medical care.
That tradition continues with St. Mary’s Health System’s extensive and dedicated network of primary care and specialty care providers throughout New Hampshire, including a partnership with the New England Heart & Vascular Institute.
“One of the reasons patients are attracted to our primary and specialty care practices is convenience,” said Jenny Smith, APRN, one of five family medicine providers at St. Mary’s Health System Family Medicine in Milford, New Hampshire. “With five locations (Nashua, South Nashua, Hudson, Merrimack and Milford) offering same-day appointments as well as extended evening and weekend hours, you can almost always find what you need, when you need it!”
For example, most primary care locations have laboratory and X-ray services as well as orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) and midwifery. There is also a full-service urgent care clinic at Milford Medical Center in Milford, N.H. that is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 7 days per week.
In addition to round-the-clock emergency and trauma services, the hospital also provides comprehensive, specialized and preventative services at its Cardiovascular Center, Breast Care Center and the Cancer Center. Plus, its labor and delivery services were voted among the best in the nation.
Access to care coordinators and social workers
Staying healthy requires more than annual visits and health checkups. It also involves making sure that patients have what they need to function – and thrive – in their everyday lives.
St. Mary’s Health System provides care coordinators and social workers to address the unique needs of its patients. Care coordinators help answer patient questions, assist with insurance and finances, and schedule and oversee follow-up care. Social workers are also available to provide support and counseling and advocate for patients’ rights.
The health care system also works closely with its mission department to help in various areas, such as prescriptions, rent, electricity and heat.
Age-friendly focus
The number of people aged 65 and older is expected to double over the next 30 years – and health care systems, such as St. Mary’s Health System, are prepared to address the unique needs of older adults.
St. Mary’s recently was named an Age-Friendly Health System. An initiative of The John A. Harford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States, Age-Friendly Health Systems are focused on aligning with what matters to older adults and their caregivers.
Mental health for Older Adults
There is a shortage of mental health professionals as well as inpatient beds for older adults experiencing mental health challenges throughout New Hampshire, and St. Mary’s Health System has recognized that need by opening a brand new Senior Behavioral Health Unit in January of 2021.
This 24-bed unit for adults 65 and over who are experiencing severe behavioral and/or emotional symptoms provides short term in-patient treatment including comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and symptom stabilization, daily psychiatric assessment, medical management of secondary medical condition, 24-hour nursing care, family education and support, individual and group exercise and art therapies as well as discharge planning and coordination of follow up care.
Expanded telehealth options
Demand for telehealth services – online or phone visits with doctors and nurses – have increased during the pandemic, and St. Mary’s Health System has worked to meet the needs of patients throughout New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts.
“At St. Joe’s, we’ve continued to expand our telehealth options to ensure patients can stay connected to their doctor and be evaluated for many mild and moderate illnesses,” said Dr. Leisa Maxwell, a primary care provider at St. Mary’s Health System Family Medicine in Hudson, New Hampshire. “In fact, telehealth can also help patients manage their ongoing health conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and depression.”
Established patients at St. Mary’s Health System can schedule a telehealth visit by phone or through the MyChart platform. New patients should call 603-884-3007 to make an appointment.
To learn more about the ways that Nashua-based St. Mary’s Health System is committed to its patients’ physical and mental health, visit stjosephhospital.com.