EvergreenHealth has teamed up with more than 100 hospitals across the state to urge members of our 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 illness, having delayed care. The educational campaign is aimed at addressing the concerns keeping people from seeking appropriate care.
“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,” Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) President & CEO Cassie Sauer said. “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. Please, don’t let your health become an emergency.”
“We encourage our community to continue seeking regular care for chronic conditions, preventive wellness and emotional health,” said Jeff Tomlin, MD, CEO of EvergreenHealth. “Equally so, we encourage you and your family to not delay care that is needed urgently, and to seek care immediately for symptoms and injuries of any level of concern—our providers and staff are here, day and night, to provide you with the care you need in the absolute safest possible environment.”
Hospitals and health systems will continue building awareness surrounding this issue for the next several weeks as part of their response to COVID-19.