Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department director emphasized to county officials Tuesday that the emergency room is safe and healthcare workers are taking “extra precautions” to keep it that way.
Dr. Michael Bogey made the statements while stressing concern about people delaying their visits due to COVID-19.
“Please don’t avoid the emergency room,” Bogey said. “We are open and ready to take care of you.”
Bogey underscored the hospital E.R. is a safe place.
“People are showing up really, really sick because they’re afraid to come into the E.R.,” Bogey said.
That has been the reality – with a drop-off in use of local healthcare services in general – despite Hazel Hawkins experiencing relatively low numbers with regard to the coronavirus. The hospital has had just five patients treated for COVID-19 since the pandemic started, with just one person on a ventilator for 12 days before being discharged.
“That person is home and recovering,” Bogey said.
Supervisor Jim Gillio asked Bogey about the hospital’s level of preparedness in the event of a surge in patients. Bogey said Hazel Hawkins has an area of the hospital ready for that potential.
“We’ll sort of be on the ready,” Bogey said. “If this thing is a threat for the next couple years, we’ll be ready for it.”
Gillio also asked about availability of personal protective equipment. Bogey affirmed the hospital is “doing OK right now” and developed a system to issue the PPE each shift. He said he’s thinking a new future for hospital workers is to wear masks all the time.
