As hospitals become stretched thin due to added concerns from the Covid-19 Pandemic, IRMC is asking that patients only use the ER when they believe they have an emergency medical condition.
IRMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Neff said in a news release that the demand for Covid-19 testing is continuing to rise, and that people should utilize other facilities that can perform the proper test. He said that when someone shows up at the ER for a non-emergency reason, like requesting a Covid-19 test, and when the emergency room is already occupied with patients that have had heart attacks, strokes, trauma and other medical problems, it can back up the department significantly.
Dr. Neff also advises that if someone is experiencing mild Covid-19 Symptoms to contact their primary care physician ahead of time to plan your next move.
IRMC representatives say that while the hospital is busier than normal with Covid-19 and other cases, it is not at overwhelming levels yet.
To read the full statement, please click below:
To see a map of Covid-19 testing sites, click below:
