COVID-19 is continuing to alter how we live, work and play. What shouldn’t be altered is our commitment to taking care of ourselves during this time.
The numbers tell a different story.
Did you know 48% of Americans indicated that they or a family member has skipped or delayed medical care because of the coronavirus pandemic? This is according to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll, results of which were published in an article on May 27 on KHN.org (Kaiser Health News).
The poll also reported that 11% of respondents said the person’s condition worsened as a result of the delayed care.
Are you or your family member among those delaying your care?
Your local health care and wellness resources continue to be here for you
At Sun Health Foundation, we’re hearing it too. Locally, many people are delaying seeking the medical care they need because of COVID-19. If you or a loved one has signs of a serious medical issue, please don’t wait to contact your health-care provider and seek the care you need. Above all, don’t let the fear of COVID-19 keep you from getting timely and safe care at your community hospitals – Banner Boswell and Banner Del E. Webb medical centers.
That’s why two highly respected community leaders in health care, wellness, and vibrant living have joined together to relay this important message.
A message of preparedness from Sun Health and Banner Health leaders
by Joe La Rue, president of Sun Health, and Sharon Lind, CEO of Banner Boswell and Banner Del E. Webb medical centers.
We understand this pandemic has caused uncertainty for our patients and community. From early on, we have worked tirelessly and proactively to create a safe environment for care in the West Valley. We are prioritizing your health and safety at every turn, including splitting our Emergency Departments to separate patients with COVID-19 symptoms from those with other emergency medical needs.
These proactive measures, along with community members’ continued diligence around social distancing, proper hand hygiene and wearing a mask in public, are helping to ensure that the COVID-19 curve is flattened, not spiked.
If you are delaying medical care because of the COVID-19 pandemic, rest assured we have taken all the steps we can to protect you and your loved ones. You don’t have to choose between safety and getting the care you need.
Ensuring the future of emergency medical care
Now, more than ever, knowing that emergency services are continually prepared and ready for anything means everything.
At Banner Boswell Medical Center, construction progress not only continues, it’s full speed ahead to transform the Emergency Department (ED) and build a six-story patient care tower.
Did you know that 80% of patients who enter through the ED are admitted to the hospital?
With the continued spread of the novel coronavirus, this facility is an even more important addition to our community’s health care resources and readiness. And why community support for this project is vital.
The coronavirus is challenging our nation’s hospitals and health care systems like never before.
While the full scope of its impact remains to be seen, we know the resulting health and economic implications will be vast and varied.
Through Sun Health Foundation’s Generosity for Generations Campaign, funding of the $34 million Emergency Department and Patient Care Transformation initiative will dramatically increase capacity when emergency care and treatment are needed most. COVID-19 offers a stark reminder that health truly is the greatest form of wealth.
Committed to your health and wellness
These are challenging times when taking steps to ensure your wellness are more important now than ever. Sun Health Wellness programs continue to be here for you to support your vibrant lifestyle. Thanks to people like you, Sun Health Foundation is pleased to support complimentary online health education classes. To register and learn more, go to sunhealthwellness.org/online-classes.
NOTE: The Kaiser Health Foundation poll was conducted May 13-18 among 1,189 adults. The margin of sampling error is +/-3 percentage points for the full sample.
References:
Excerpts of the story taken from the KHN Nearly Half Of Americans Delayed Medical Care Due To Pandemic By Elizabeth Lawrence published online MAY 27, 2020
Elizabeth Lawrence:Â [email protected]
