COVID had an impact on everyones lives since the outbreak began back in December of 2019. The world turned to hospitals more than ever. I interviewed Zach Moser and Ben Elder to get grasp on the effect COVID had on the local hospitals of Proctor and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.
Zach has been working at Proctor since 2020 said a major issue was an influx of patients being admitted into the ER.
“EMTs would advise callers who had concerns about COVID to go see their doctor first before seeking out admission into the ER. The ER would get crowed with people who thought they had COVID making more difficult to treat those who actually had COVID or anyone else that needed immediate medical attention.”
Even in the midst of a pandemic people still refuse to visit their doctor for medical concerns. For anyone that had COVID or admitted during the outbreak they were not allowed visits from friends or family. On a lighter note Zach spoke about the increased attention to patient care.
“CNAs and Nurses would stay longer with the patient if they requested even if it was just for the sake of good company.”
OSF being the larger of the two hospitals Ben said the crowding of the ER was never too much of an issue.
“Crowding of the ER was not much of an issue we still would advise those calling in a COVID related emergency to seek out a doctor before being admitted to the ER. In terms of patient care we do whatever we can to make the patient feel at ease and is being cared for in the best possible way.”
Ben stated one negative due to COVID in particular at OSF that he was pleased to say was no more.
“Due to COVID there was an inpatient pediatric play area apart of OSF that got shut down. As of yesterday it was just opened up, so now the kids in the hospital have a place to play again.”
Both Zach and Ben mentioned how it is starting to get back to normal again noting that any real negative impact that COVID had has dwindled. That if anything they feel this has just better prepared hospitals and made people more conscientious of their health.