SACO — Saco’s first walk-in clinic is now open, offering patients non-emergency treatment even when their doctor’s office is closed.

The number of people who have come to receive care has exceeded projections, said practice manager Karen Waycott, and patients served have been local, as well as from out of state and Canada.

“It’s been busy,” she said. “We hear, ”˜We’re so happy you’re here,’ a lot,” she said.

The clinic offers non-emergency care, including treatment for colds, sore throats and flu; strains and sprains; ear, eye and sinus infections; and cuts and abrasions. No appointment is necessary, and the clinic serves both adults and children. It also conducts X-rays and laboratory work. The clinic does not do physicals and is not designed for preventative health care, said Waycott.

The clinic accepts all insurance providers, though some health maintenance organizations, or HMOs, require referrals, said Michael Albaum, chief medical officer.

Albaum said that Southern Maine Medical Center started the clinic because the hospital is patient-centered and works to meet the needs of clients.

“We’ve reached the point where everyone’s lives are so busy,” said Albaum. With the walk-in clinic, people can fit non-emergency care into a hectic schedule or after work, and it’s more cost effective than a visit to the emergency room, he said.

SMMC also provides family practice services and osteopathic manipulative medicine services at the 655 Main St. location.

The SMMC Walk-In Care clinic opened June 1, located at 655 Main St., on the corner of Route 1 and Ross Road. The clinic is open seven days a week from noon to 8 p.m.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.