NLMC urges not to delay critical care for fear of virus

Officials at Northern Louisiana Medical Center are urging people who need emergency care to seek it without delay and without fear of COVID-19.

There have been a couple of instances in which individuals delayed coming to the emergency room for needed treatment, NLMC Marketing Director Elizabeth Turnley said.

Emergency room visits are down nationwide largely out of fear of contracting COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus. Consequently, health experts say people who would normally come in with serious illnesses are waiting too long to seek care.

“Please don’t stay at home and suffer through potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, burns, pneumonia, appendicitis, mental illness, or other serious concerns. Let us help you. Emergencies and urgent health situations don’t take a vacation during a pandemic and neither do we. Our providers are ready to take care of you as always,” NLMC Chief of Staff Dr. Robin Sharp said.

In a statement released Monday, the hospital said as it responds to COVID-19, it is taking extra precautions “going above and beyond all normal efforts” to keep the facility clean and safe for patients and caregivers.

“Northern Louisiana Medical Center has always made patient safety one of our top priorities,” CEO Keith Newton said. “One key initiative early on during the COIVD-19 pandemic was to establish separate units at the hospital for our COVID patients including both a COVID med surg floor and COVID ICU unit. These COVID units have provided an additional layer of safety for our patients, employees and providers.”

NLMC has taken action to enhance infection prevention, restrict access to the facility and support social distancing to maintain a safe environment for patients who need medical care, Newton said.

Among the precautions in place: everyone who enters the building, including staff, is screened, and all employees, physicians and patients are expected to wear masks. Care for any individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 is delivered in a restricted, separate area away from other patients.

Cleaning and disinfection are emphasized in caregiving areas and throughout the facility, including high-touch items like door handles, elevator buttons, tables and chairs.