Don’t Put Normal Health Care On Pause During Pandemic

The message is simple--Don't let the Coronavirus put your regular medical needs on hold.

In a news release Virginia Mason Memorial says they has teamed up with more than 100 hospitals across the state to urge communities not to put their health care on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clinics across the state have reported abnormally low volumes of patients seeking routine medical care. At the same time, visitors to the emergency department are arriving with more severe illnesses, having delayed care.

The news release is part of a community educational campaign reminding people to continue to seek appropriate care for other health concerns.

.“We’ve heard that patients are afraid of contracting COVID from other patients in the hospital or that care teams won’t have time to care for them if it isn’t COVID-related,” said Cassie Sauer, Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) president & CEO. “Health-care teams are taking steps to ensure people’s safety when they need to seek care — from screening to eliminating waiting rooms. Care is safe and available for you and your family.”

The dots are easy to connect on this. Health matters not treated or addressed can get worse, that can lead to a medical emergency and the emergency room is the last place you want to be.