EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS SHARP DECLINE MAKES WCCHS WORRY COVID-19 KEEPING OTHERS AWAY

The emergency department at Wyoming County Community Health System is seeing well under 50% of its average daily visits.  The vast majority of these patients are coming in for (non-COVID related) medical problems.  The hospital floors have seen a significant decrease in volume as well with very few admitted COVID patients.

All COVID patients have special rooms that prevent air particles from exiting the room and staff use proper protective equipment.  The low number of COVID cases along with proper isolation measures create a safe environment for patients and staff at Wyoming County Community Health System.

What does this mean to you?  That we are here for you.  According to Daniel Fahey, MD, WCCHS Emergency Department Medical Director, the emergency room and hospital can safely take care of your medical needs.  If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, stroke or neurological issues, severe abdominal pain, significant traumatic injuries, or any concerning symptoms that cannot be managed by a primary doctor or specialist, then you should be seen in the emergency department.  You do not need to be apprehensive to come to the hospital due to COVID-19.  It is a safe environment with our current low patient volume, and we have plenty of staff and resources to take care of your medical needs.  We especially wanted to communicate that all patients with chronic medical problems such as diabetes, COPD, congestive heart failure, etc. should continue to seek medical care from their primary doctors and specialists, and if needed, the emergency department.  WCCHS has a robust telemedicine program for many of its clinics and video and phone visits can be arranged, if preferred.

We genuinely appreciate our community’s commitment to stopping the spread of COVID-19 and the support they have shown us.  Our message is to assure you that we have created a safe environment to care for you and your medical needs.  So please do not ignore your symptoms and seek medical attention, if needed.