Parkview Health has seen a significant increase in hospitalizations and patient volumes at clinics across the region due to increasing COVID-19 activity.
As COVID-19 numbers rise, Parkview Health encourages community to seek appropriate care, get vaccinated
Unvaccinated make up majority of health system’s COVID-19 hospitalizationsFort Wayne, Indiana (September 10, 2021) – Over the last several weeks, Parkview Health has seen a significant increase in hospitalizations, as well as patient volumes at clinics across the region, due to increasing COVID-19 activity. Approximately 90% of COVID-positive hospitalizations at Parkview are unvaccinated patients.
Emergency Departments and walk-in clinics are experiencing longer-than-normal wait times. Similar to statewide trends, approximately one in five Parkview Emergency Department patients is COVID-positive.
Amidst a nationwide shortage of healthcare workers, staffing is a critical resource and will limit capacity at all levels of care. Therefore, proper utilization of healthcare resources is key to maintaining operations.
If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you have been exposed, contact your healthcare provider to determine appropriate next steps. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a free online Coronavirus Self-Checker Tool, which can help assess your individual situation and determine if you should be tested and/or seek care. Parkview also offers several options for virtual care, including a virtual walk-in clinic and scheduled virtual appointments with a provider via MyChart.
It is important for individuals with critical needs, including trauma, heart attack, stroke and other emergent issues to seek immediate care. If you have symptoms such as trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, new confusion, the inability to stay awake, or pale, gray or blue-colored skin or lips, head to the closest emergency room or call 9-1-1.
Testing
Frequently asked testing questions, as well as a list of testing options, can be found here on the Parkview website. Testing options include health departments and community health centers, Parkview Health locations, commercial locations, and at-home or self-collection tests.
Additional COVID-19 testing information, including a full list of testing sites, can be found on the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) website. Please note that some locations require an appointment and/or a medical examination with a provider. Check the IDOH website for details on each location before you visit.
Vaccination
Unvaccinated Hoosiers make up the vast majority of COVID-19 cases, including hospitalizations, statewide and at Parkview Health hospitals. Vaccines are proven to be safe and effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. All individuals age 12 and older can get a free vaccine – visit https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/ for a list of vaccination sites.
In anticipation of the authorization of COVID-19 booster vaccines, Parkview Health is currently in the process of re-establishing the Mirro Center for Research and Innovation as a mass vaccination location for the community. More information and details about hours of operation will be shared in the future.
To reduce the spread of the virus and its impact on the well-being of the region, area residents are strongly encouraged to follow guidance from the CDC. This includes wearing a face covering in indoor public settings, practicing social distancing and getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
Parkview appreciates the community’s help in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and reducing the strain on healthcare resources in our region.
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