SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) — A Springfield, Missouri hospital has opened its sixth COVID-19 ward as the delta virus variant rages in the state’s southwest region.
The Kansas City Star reports Mercy Hospital in Springfield announced the new ward Sunday, as the hospital was treating 133 virus patients.
Chief Administrative Officer Erik Frederick says the hospital needed at most five virus wards last year.
Frederick has tweeted that many people in local rural areas are unvaccinated.
He also says people from rural areas don’t have nearby hospitals, so they come to Mercy Hospital in Springfield.
134 COVID+ @MercySGF. Our vaccine clinic has seen an increase in daily appointments from 150 to 250. That gives me hope. I know when we step away from our differences we hold a common belief that we need to love one another as Jesus taught us. https://t.co/eu5DSyomX0
— Erik Frederick (@CAOMercySGF) July 12, 2021
125 Covid+ inpatients, 34% symptomatic positivity. We have now been able to bring in 141 “traveling” nurses & RTs. 66 more scheduled to start by 7/26, and pursuing more.
“We feel broken, but we are not, we will continue to serve, help and support” -a note to me from a brave RN pic.twitter.com/k43kK6NVOz
— Steve Edwards (@SDECoxHealth) July 12, 2021
