MUNCIE — The chief medical officer at IU Health Ball Hospital in Muncie says the medical facility is experiencing high volumes of sick patients, including an all-time high number of COVID-19 positive inpatients.
Doctor Peter Voss described the situation in a social media post to the East Central Indiana region Friday. He called on people to take COVID-19 seriously. "Now more than ever, your vigilance is needed. Please continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing and prioritize hand hygiene; your actions play a pivotal role in preserving the health of your community."
Voss described the hospital's emergency department as "extremely busy in this current state." He's encouraging the public to consider the following when deciding whether to go to a family doctor or the hospital emergency room.
- If you or a loved one feel you are showing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, please call ahead to your doctor, a nearby hospital or health department, or use IU Health’s free virtual screening clinic https://iuhealth.org/covid19/virtual-coronavirus-screening so medical providers can be prepared to receive you and avoid exposure themselves.
- If you are experiencing symptoms that call for a primary care visit, you can find a physician at https://iuhealth.org/find-providers or call 1-888-IU Health. Same-day appointments are often available.
- If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911. And remember that our ED is always open.
- For individuals being cared for in the ED, please remember to be a patient patient. If you are receiving great care, please tell your nurse or the charge nurse. If you need something additional or find you have been waiting awhile for a request, please use your call button to ask the nurse or nurse manager for a follow-up.
