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Union Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director says "Don't Delay Your Urgent Care"

Union Health has made extra precautions to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Consequently, healthcare providers now worry about those who may be delaying their emergency medical care needs.

Dr. Osman Abbasi, Union Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director in Terre Haute and Union Hospital Clinton, says fear of being exposed to the Coronavirus has kept many people away from the Emergency Room; which could have negative long-term effects.

"Prior to the Coronavirus, we were able to see patients in a very timely manner, intervene and perform life-saving measures," Abbasi said. "Now, we are somewhat restricted because of this fear. Unfortunately, one of the consequences of a delayed evaluation is irreversible damage."

Dr. Abbasi says patients suffering from strokes, heart attacks and infections are normally being managed in the emergency room. However, people are making a conscious effort to avoid being seen amid fears of COVID-19.
Health emergencies are often time-sensitive and if care is delayed, there could be permanent damage.

"Chest pain is related to the heart. Breathing problems are related to the lungs. Headaches or weakness can be signs of a stroke. All of those are important symptoms that should be evaluated in an emergency department", he said.
Since COVID-19, I've seen patient volume drop by nearly one-third. As our community reopens and more restrictions are lifted, doctors are seeing those numbers slowly increase. 

Union Hospital has taken the utmost precautions to protect all patients and the process begins at the front door.

"From the minute you enter the Emergency Room, there's a screening process that takes place to identify patients that are at risk for Coronavirus," Abbasi said. "If you come to the ER, and you have COVID-19 or a related complaint, we do our best to isolate you from the general population."

At Union Hospital, there is an extreme focus to make sure everyone is safe, and the facilities are sanitary.

"Being out in the public is more of a risk factor because you don't have the same level of attention to keeping things isolated, hygienic and clean," Abbasi said. "So, I do think that coming to the ER in some ways is actually not as risky as it sounds because of all of the precautions we are taking."

If you need emergency medical help, do not delay your care. Call 911 or visit the emergency room at the onset of your symptoms. Union Hospital's Emergency Department is located at the corner of 8th Avenue and 7th Street in Terre Haute. Union Hospital Clinton is located 801 S. Main Street.





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