Area hospitals hit new records with covid admissions

The two hospitals closest to Ozark County announced last week that they had reached new highs in the number of patients admitted for treatment of covid-19 as virus cases surged through the area. Sunday evening, the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services covid-data website showed Ozark, Douglas, Taney and Howell counties in the top 20 counties having the highest covid rates per capita. 

On Tuesday, July 27, Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Arkansas, announced that it had surpassed its previous highest number of 34 covid-19 inpatients, with 43 covid patients currently admitted –  10 in ICU and 9 on a ventilator. 

The hospital also said 30 BRMC employees were out with covid. 

“Our ICU is full, with both covid-19 and non-covid patients,” BRMC said in its announcement. “Our staff is weary, concerned for our community and desperate for this pandemic to end, but we continue to serve in extraordinary ways.

Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains also announced last week that it had reached a new high of covid-19 patients hospitalized there with a total of 33. Patients ranged in age from 25 to 94. In response to the continued surge of hospitalizations and cases, OZH reopened its covid-19 unit on July 28. 

Lacey Carter, OZH executive director of nursing, said most of the patients are unvaccinated. “We are worried about the overall health of our community, but we are especially concerned for those who are unvaccinated,” Carter said.

Monday morning, Cox South Hospital in Springfield also announced a new record patient count in its covid wing with 187 covid patients admitted.

 

BRMC and OZH have  updated visitor restrictions

In response to the surge and for the safety of everyone involved, OZH and BRMC have updated their visitor restrictions, allowing each admitted patient to have one visitor (18 and older) per day. Visitors are asked to wear a mask. Each visitor will be required to remain in the patient’s room at all times.

Exceptions have been established, depending on the department where the patient is admitted. 

 

Testing, walk-in clinics, and virtual/telehealth visits

OZH officials ask those experiencing covid-19 symptoms or suspect they could have the virus to call its covid-19 hotline before visiting an OZH clinic to be seen or tested. Symptoms of the prevalent Delta variant include headache, runny nose and sore throat. Other symptoms include a mild cough or shortness of breath. Other symptoms are also possible.

To schedule a covid test at OZH call 417-505-7120. Tests are also available at the Gainesville Medical Clinic.

With an increase in Emergency Department visits, OZH officials also encourage those who experience acute health issues that are not life threatening to seek care at OZH’s walk-in clinic in West Plains at 181 Kentucky Ave. (Highland Park), Suite 100. The West Plains clinic, as well as another clinic in Mountain Grove, has resources to treat common, non-critical problems, including minor fractures and sprains, infections (such as urinary tract or ear), sore throats, minor cuts, wounds, burns and scrapes, muscle pains, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and more. The walk-in clinic is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. 

Virtual and telehealth visits are also available. To find a telehealth provider, visit https://www.ozarkshealthcare.com/find-a-doctor/. 

 

Free vaccinations available

Medical professionals stress the importance of using proper precautions in public areas and getting vaccinated, adding that widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic. 

“Getting vaccinated is the best option to avoid hospitalization and the spread of the virus to your loved ones,” said OZH’s Dr. Chris Cochran. “Most covid-19 patients hospitalized now – not just at Ozarks Healthcare, but at every health system – are not vaccinated. We have the data showing vaccines’ safety. Please seek your information from medical officials. If you are hesitant about getting vaccinated because of true medical concerns, please visit with your healthcare provider rather than relying on uncredited sources or misinformation that is rampant across many forms of media.” 

The Ozark County Health Department in Gainesville offers vaccinations with the Moderna vaccine every other Thursday; the next clinic is Aug. 12. The Moderna vaccine can be administered to those age 18 and older. Call 417-679-3334 to schedule a vaccination appointment. Walk-ins can also get the vaccine during the clinics if supplies are sufficient. 

The Theodosia Family Medical Clinic in Theodosia offers the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine to those age 18 and older. Call 417-273-2300 for information.

Those age 12 and older can get the two-dose Pfizer, which is available by appointment through the OZH Pharmacy in West Plains. Call 417-256-1793 to schedule a vaccination. 

The Pfizer vaccine is also available by appointment at the Baxter Regional Internal Medicine & Infectious Disease Clinic in Mountain Home. Call 870-508-7450 for more information.  

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423