SARASOTA, Fla. — Sarasota Memorial Hospital is encouraging non-COVID-19 patients to stop avoiding hospitals and doctors visits if they need critical treatment.
"If you’re having heart issues, come to the hospital. If you’re having a stroke, come to the hospital," said David Verinder, Sarasota Memorial Hospital President & CEO.
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Every second matters during a health emergency and doctors at Sarasota Memorial Hospital are worried sick people are delaying critical treatment because they're afraid of COVID-19.
"We’re very concerned that people are putting off procedures that are going to cause them problems down the road," Verinder.
SMH says their emergency room and urgent care visits are down by nearly 50%.
Even though, only 6% of their patients are COVID-19 positive.
Verinder says he wants people to know the hospital has numerous procedures to make sure the people are safe.
"I really feel that walking the corridors of our hospital right now is one of the safest places you can probably be," said Verinder.
As of right now, non-emergency surgeries are still on hold, but doctors say if you’re due for a health screening don’t cancel. And if you're in pain, go to the hospital.
"Please come and take care of your health issues as you normally would," said Verinder.
