YRMC closing COVID unit as military team packs up
FOX 9's Adam Klepp spoke with the chief nursing officer on how the strike team struck down cases in Yuma
YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - The COVID Strike Force is now wrapping up its mission at Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC).
Their departure comes as the hospital says it's closing down the COVID-19 unit, as cases are on the decline in Yuma.
Members of the military COVID team were sent to Yuma last year right before Christmas.
Chief Nursing Officer Deb Aders says the team was a big help as the Omicron variant became the dominant strain in Yuma.
"The staff really appreciated those paramedics coming in, and help during that patient surge we had as well,” Aders said.
As of Tuesday morning, YRMC says only 22 patients have COVID-19 and seven of those are in the ICU.
Aders says the low numbers are encouraging, and now the hospital is adjusting its care.
"We have now closed our COVIDunit, we are able to manage those patients on our regular floors,” Aders said.
Just one month ago, YRMC reported over 100 covid hospitalizations.
Aders says the strike team played an important role in the sharp decline.
“We’ve told them they’re officially Yumans now with us," Aders said. "We couldn’t have done it without their assistance.”
