Sonora, CA…As Adventist Health Sonora, the U.S. and communities across the world confront the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many may be hesitant to head to the emergency department in the event an urgent health matter arises. Adventist Health is advising members of the communities it serves that staff is prepared to safely deliver care and handle health emergencies as well as coronavirus cases.

“We are concerned patients are delaying care and putting themselves at risk by avoiding the emergency department, likely due to fear of being exposed to COVID-19 or overwhelming the healthcare system,” says Scott Klatt, MD, Director of Emergency Services at Adventist Health Sonora. “Postponing care in an emergency can be dangerous and complicate later treatment. We are here to care for and serve all of our patients and their families and are taking the necessary precautions to keep them safe.”
 
Adventist Health is following guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to keep patients, caregivers and community members safe, including wearing masks in patient care areas, offering personal protective equipment (PPE) for associates who are treating anyone suspected of having COVID-19, isolating COVID-19 patients under investigation until test results come back and restricting visitors.
Those who are experiencing an emergency, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or stroke-like symptoms, head injuries, a broken bone or burns, are urged to call 9-1-1 immediately or go to the emergency department. Getting the proper care as soon as possible will help contribute to the best outcome.
For patients with non-urgent health matters, Adventist Health recommends monitoring symptoms and reacting accordingly, such as scheduling a virtual visit. More information on virtual visits and COVID-19 symptoms may be found at www.adventisthealth.org.

About Adventist Health
Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health system serving more than 80 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii. Founded on Seventh-day Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics, home care agencies, hospice agencies and joint-venture retirement centers in both rural and urban communities. Our compassionate and talented team of 36,000 includes associates, medical staff physicians, allied health professionals and volunteers driven in pursuit of one mission: living God’s love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope. Together, we are transforming the American healthcare experience with an innovative, yet timeless, whole-person focus on physical, mental, spiritual and social healing.