A new health care clinic opened yesterday at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Bangor, the first of a handful of clinics expected to open in the region in the coming months.

The 680-square-foot facility, called The Clinic at Wal-Mart, will be run by Eastern Maine Medical Center through its Norumbega medical practice affiliate, according to the Bangor Daily News. Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, parent to EMMC, announced it would open health care clinics in Wal-Mart stores -- common in other states but new to Maine -- in June. Another clinic operated by EMMC is planned for Brewer, and clinics in Newport and Presque Isle will be operated by EMHS affiliates Sebasticook Valley Hospital and The Aroostook Medical Center, respectively.

EMHS officials hope the clinics, which will be open seven days a week and some evenings, will make it easier for people to access medical care. Clinicians will be able to treat ailments such as colds and minor burns and injuries.