Doctor's Not In? No Problem at Hitchiner Manufacturing's Health Clinic

One of the most popular benefits for employees at Hitchiner Manufacturing is the free on-site health center, the Health & Resource Center. For nearly a decade, it has provided care to employees, their spouses, and dependents free of charge. Having access to basic medical care on the Hitchiner Manufacturing campus has made it easier for employees to seek medical attention. It has also helped employees with chronic health issues get the regular monitoring they need to stay healthy.

This year, Hitchiner Manufacturing announced it would add a Medpod that will provide telehealth services to all who have access to the Hitchiner Health & Resource Center.

What is a "Medpod"?

Because a doctor is not always available onsite, Hitchiner Manufacturing recently partnered with Southern New Hampshire Health to create a pilot telehealth Medpod within the Hitchiner Health & Resource Center. When employees need acute care for certain conditions, they can be connected to a physician within the Southern NH Health system. There they can receive treatment and medications via a screen. The patient can see the physician off-site, and the physician can see the patient in the Health & Resource Center. This enables the patient to get the care he or she needs more quickly, instead of waiting for a physician to be on site. The telehealth Medpod also allows the physician to get a sense of the patient's condition through visual assessment and other physical cues.

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The telehealth treatment will be available five days a week, including during portions of overnight shifts.

Care When Hitchiner Employees Need It

Hitchiner Manufacturing employees can get treatment for the following conditions via the telehealth Medpod:  

• Cold and flu

• Allergies

• Sore throat

• Ear pain

• Respiratory illness

• Urinary tract infections

• Strains, sprains and other sports injuries

• Minor cuts and burns

• Minor eye problems

• Minor injuries

Hitchiner Manufacturing Clinic on the Cutting Edge

Southern NH Health and Foundation Medical Partners have long provided health care services at the on-site clinic, and this latest addition is no exception. 

"Southern NH Health has used telemedicine for some time now to read X-rays, and they were looking to expand the telemedicine component of their care. This healthcare Medpod is a trial for them," said Tim Sullivan, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Services.

The Health and Resource Center is not staffed with a physician for all business hours at present, leaving some periods of time when an RN  and an administrative assistant are the only persons on site. If an employee falls ill or otherwise needs  medical care requiring a physician during those times, they with the telehealth Medpod service, the employee can get a physician's consultation just outside their workplace door at the Health and Resource Center.

"It was a way to continually offer a service," said Sullivan. "I believe it will become more prevalent because the insurers are recognizing telemedicine now. It’s a visit they will now offer at a reduced cost and is something Hitchiner's insurer covers."

About the Hitchiner Manufacturing Health & Resource Center

The onsite clinic program offers employee physicals, wellness check-ups, routine testing, and diagnosis of basic medical ailments and injuries, from the flu to a sprained knee. Because of the success of this program, Hitchiner Manufacturing continues to look for new services to add to the Health & Resource Center to meet the needs of the employees.

Recently, the clinic added a behavioral health physician to treat substance abuse, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. This now creates a space where employees, dependents, or spouses can get mental health services more easily and free of charge. The Health & Resource Center also began offering nutrition services to assist patients with coronary artery disease and other conditions that benefit from an improved diet. To make diet changes more convenient, Hitchiner's nutritionist also has worked with the on-site food services to create breakfast, and lunch options that align with the diet advice employees are getting. 

For more information about Hitchiner Manufacturing benefits, on-site health clinic, or employment opportunities, click here.