Franklin—Southampton Memorial Hospital is offering free physicals to students who will participate in sports in the upcoming academic year.

From 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8, and Thursday, June 10, students can receive free physicals. No appointment is needed.

Physicals were also conducted on Tuesday and Thursday.

Anne Williams, the marketing and public relations director for Southampton Memorial Hospital, said this is the first time the hospital is offering this service. Previously, schools had used Eastern Virginia Medical School for athletic physical. Williams said the medical school no longer offers the service, so the Franklin hospital stepped up.

On Monday, Southampton Memorial saw more than 60 students, including the Franklin High School girls. On Thursday Franklin High School boys came for their physicals.

Next week Southampton High School is scheduled.

Most students came on buses provided by schools. Other students came alone, or with a parent. Some college athletes also stopped.

Dr. Wes Saher said physicals include taking a student’s blood pressure, pulse and vitals; doing a skeletal exam; and checking the heart, lungs, hearing and vision.

On Monday, four students were referred to their family doctors to receive further treatment for health concerns.

Other physicians volunteering their time are Drs. Daniel Peak, Michael Ponder, Donald Bowling, Renee Banaszak, Maria Ona, Earl Fuller and Allan Edwards.

One Franklin High School parent said everyone is so grateful for the service the hospital decided to provide.

Physicals are good for one academic year, however it is not known whether or not the service will be made available by Southampton Memorial Hospital next year.