Howard Memorial Hospital Highlights New After-Hours Clinic at Rotary Meeting

Wednesday afternoon, Howard Memorial Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Chris Stuard addressed the Nashville Rotary Club about the hospital’s new After-Hours Clinic.

Stuard said the clinic is currently open every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. She noted that hospital officials hope to expand the service to five days a week in the future.

According to Stuard, the idea for the After-Hours Clinic emerged from the hospital’s Community Needs Assessment. She said the clinic is designed to provide patients with a more affordable healthcare option, help reduce overcrowding in the Emergency Room, and ensure patients receive the appropriate level of care for their medical needs.

Howard Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer Stacy Harberson said the clinic fills an important gap in care for families. She noted that children often develop fevers, ear infections, or other illnesses on Friday evenings—conditions that may not warrant an emergency room visit but still require prompt medical attention.

Harberson said the After-Hours Clinic gives parents an alternative to waiting until Monday for treatment, helping children receive care sooner and avoid unnecessary discomfort over the weekend.