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WEIRTON -- Officials with Weirton Medical Center are reminding area residents to not ignore signs of critical illness during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
"During the COVID-19 pandemic, WMC has never stopped providing maternity deliveries, oncology services, performing urgent/emergent surgeries and procedures or treating emergency patients," said Kelli McCoy, director of community relations for the hospital.
McCoy said the employees and physicians at the facility prepared for months to treat COVID-19 patients. As a result, the hospital is well equipped with personal protective equipment and supplies to quickly treat local cases, she said.
"At the same time, we are continuing to provide urgent and emergent care to non-affected patients in a safe, protected environment," McCoy noted. "Unlike some big cities in the news, WMC has not seen any large influx of COVID-19 patients. We are ready, but hope that day never comes."
Weirton Medical Center is following procedures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prepare for a variety of conditions.
"There is no reason for any patient to avoid needed medical care with their physician or hospital to stay safe. In fact, patients delaying necessary medical care for chronic or critical illnesses could have negative health consequences. We are urging patients to talk to their physician first," McCoy added. "WMC is committed to working with our employees, physicians and the community to emerge stronger from the current crisis. We are focused on all patients and not just those affected by the COVID-19. Ignoring life-threatening conditions like strokes or heart conditions due to fear of contracting the coronavirus could ultimately prove to be far more dangerous than the virus itself."