BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The coronavirus crisis has changed a lot about how the world is operating, including hospitals. During this crisis though, a local hospital wants Kern County residents to know it's ready to help any patient, whether it's coronavirus-related or not.
Adventist Health Bakersfield President Sharlott Briggs said while they're seeing more and more coronavirus patients, that doesn't mean patients with other illnesses should neglect their symptoms.
"If you're concerned about coming in and taking the place of a COVID patient, don't be. We have plenty of room," Briggs said. "Our message to the community is 'don't put off your health'."
According to Briggs, the hospital has separate sections for patients with COVID-19 symptoms and those who don't. "We have a separate ward for those patients, what we don't see is a lot of other patients coming to seek help at this time," she said.
Briggs said they've seen cases of patients showing symptoms of serious illnesses, such as stroke, and not going to the hospital.
"As a hospital we have a lot of beds because people are putting off getting care right now," said Briggs. "We would rather have you come and not need to be admitted, than rather not come an need to be admitted."
For community members who are still unsure if they should visit the hospital for any reason, Adventist Health reminds them they can go online and schedule a virtual visit. You can check your symptoms with a healthcare professional and decide whether or not you need to be admitted to the hospital.
"We're here for you whether you have COVID or whether you do not have COVID," Briggs said. "That means that we have beds available, we have staff available, our physicians are ready."
