MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Models show the latest coronavirus surge will persist until the end of the month, continuing to stretch an already strapped healthcare system in the state.
At the same time, people are still living life- meaning there are still broken bones, sprains, cut and illnesses that need immediate attention. However, that treatment has to be completed amid coronavirus congested healthcare facilities statewide.
WVU chair of the WVU School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Chris Goode said because of the current surge patients should consider an urgent care center or even Telemedicine if appropriate.
“Our emergency departments right now are safely and effectively taking care of people,” Dr. Goode said,” But, we do have hospital capacity issues we’re dealing with across the region.”
Urgent care centers are specifically purposed to handle minor injuries and illnesses. In most cases service is much faster at an urgent care than an emergency room due to the unpredictable nature of crisis care.
” If you don’t feel it’s a threat to limb, or anything significant like a heart attack, stroke or some surgical emergency,” Dr. Goods said,” That you consider going to one of our local urgent care centers or even calling WVU Medicine provider.”
Patients can expect the same level of professionalism when going to an urgent care center operated by WVU. The staff are employees of WVU Medicine and are on site from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. six days a week.
“They are board certified medicine and pediatric physicians, so they can see all ages,” Goode said,” But, they’re also well-trained in laceration repair, they’re well-trained in recognizing specific rashes and fracture care.”
The staff at urgent care centers have the authority to send patients to the emergency room if needed and in some cases care can be expedited if hospital staff knows there is an incoming illness or injury.
“If they feel your sick and you need to be seen in the emergency department they’ll augment that and get you over to the emergency department in a timely manner.”
WVU Medicine operates urgent care locations in Buckhannon, Charles Town, Fairmont, Inwood, Morgantown, Parkersburg, and Spring Mills in West Virginia; Grantsville and McHenry in Maryland; and Marietta, Ohio.
“We’re happy to see you. We apologize, but it may take us a little bit of time to get to you once you get there,” Goode said,” But, you will get the best care across our spectrum.”
People who have coronavirus symptoms, or have been in close contact with someone infected should call their primary care doctor or WVU Medicine before seeking treatment.