Comments by
Dr. Jeremy Robertson
Chief Medical Officer of McLeod Regional Medical Center

McLeod is working hard to create a safe environment in its hospitals. Visitation guidelines are an important element of that effort. On the other hand, McLeod Regional Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeremy Robertson urges you not to delay going to the Emergency Department if you truly need it.

Here is a summary of Dr. Robertson’s comments:
Of utmost importance to us during this time of heightened fear is your safety. In that regard, we’re taking many steps to help keep you safe. I just want everybody to know that we’re working hard to make sure that our environment is safe for you to come and receive the excellent care that you always expect from McLeod.
 
We’ve decreased the number of people that are in our facilities. Our visitation guidelines are not always easy to follow and we realize that, in times of stress and fear, people want to be with their loved ones. But at McLeod we’ve realized that keeping the number of hospital visitors low is one way we can protect you. So, we followed guidelines from state and federal agencies and adopted guidelines similar to other hospitals in the state. Our visitation policy is there to help keep you safe.
 
We do worry, though, because we see very low volumes of heart attack, strokes, infected gallbladders and blood clots in the leg. We know these problems are still happening and need emergency medical care.

Our message to you: keep yourself safe and socially distanced as much as you can. When you have mild symptoms, stay at home.
 
However, but when you have emergency symptoms —  symptoms of stroke, severe chest pain, symptoms suggestive of a heart attack, severe pain, vomiting, severe shortness of breath and high fevers — you need to seek care. Come to one of our Emergency Departments. That’s why we’re here — to take care of you and provide excellent care for you.
 
Learn more about COVID-19 and what McLeod Health is doing about it.