STAYING HEALTHY IS ALWAYS A PRIORITY

By CHRISTUS St Vincent

At CHRISTUS St. Vincent, we firmly believe that even in unprecedented times such as these, your health and wellness should always be a priority.

We are experiencing an increasing number of patients arriving to the hospital with more serious conditions. We are learning that this is a result of many choosing to postpone immediate medical care needs so they can honor efforts to isolate and shelter in place. While the efforts to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 are important and need to continue, it is equally important that our community seek care if their health condition worsens or becomes concerning.

No matter the circumstances, our providers are always prepared to handle medical emergencies, perform life-saving procedures, deliver cancer treatment and provide labor and delivery services in a COVID-free and safe care setting.

 

A Safe Hospital

CHRISTUS St. Vincent remains, by far, the safest place to receive medical care and attention during this COVID-19 pandemic. Our entire medical and support staff take every precaution to stop the spread of COVID-19, through proper use of personal protective equipment, diligent hand washing, personal hygiene, and social distancing when necessary.

 

Care and Treatment of COVID-19 Patients

All patients who present at the hospital with COVID-19 symptoms are treated in an isolated area situated away from the general patient population to ensure the safety of all patients and providers. And, our COVID-19 patients are cared for by a team specially trained to care ONLY FOR this vulnerable population, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to other patients or providers.

 

Seek Care When It Is Needed

During this pandemic, people still have heart attacks, strokes and stomach problems. And, diabetes needs to be managed, wounds still need to be treated, and joint pains still needs to be examined. These and other health-related issues cannot and should not go untreated as they can adversely affect a person’s health on a short- and long-term basis and can ultimately be life-threatening.

If you have healthcare concerns and find yourself waiting longer to seek care as a result of your efforts to isolate by sheltering in place, please contact your provider to schedule a virtual visit from the convenience of your home. To schedule an appointment call (505) 913-3627.

Here is a list of conditions that should NEVER be ignored and should be treated urgently:

 

Head to the Emergency Department:

Allergic Reaction Broken Bone Confusion, Dizziness or Weakness Diarrhea or Abdominal Pain Difficulty Breathing High Fever Open wounds that haven’t healed Fainting

Heart Palpitations Persistent and worsening pain Persistent Vomiting Seizure Severe Burns Uncontrollable Bleeding Unusually Severe Headache

 

Call 911:

• Electric Shock
• Head Injury Accompanied by Confusion
• Neck or Spine Injury
• Seizures that Last Between 3-5 Minutes
• Severe Chest Pain
• Stopped Breathing
• Stroke Symptoms, Including Confusion, Facial Drooping, and Difficulty Moving