YRMC Emergency Room patient numbers drop nearly 50%

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The emergency room at Yuma Regional Medical Center, is seeing a nearly 50 percent drop in patients.

The reason…

“We’ve seen a decrease in the total number of visits really since the stay at home order came through. I think patients are trying to stay out of the way and they want to stay home as long as possible. What we really want patients to understand is… if you need us, come see us.”

The hospital tells me, it is still safe to come seek medical attention.

Due to the current pandemic, there is a very thoughtful process in place, when coming to the emergency room.

Dr. Kristina Diaz is a longtime worker at the hospital.

“All of our patients that are having respiratory symptoms ore expressing concern that they could potentially be infected with COVID-19… they are actually taken to a separate pod and taken in to a separate entrance to our emergency room.”

Everyone is given a mask outside at check-in and you are strategically placed in a safe designated waiting area.

Keep in mind, there is still a “no visitor rule” right now.

Dr. Diaz tells me, making a trip to the emergency room is more safe than waiting it out at home - without medical supervision.

“What if that chest pain you may be experiencing may be a start of a full blown heart attack or what if that stomach pain is appendicitis and we’re not taking care of it," she said.

The hospital reaffirms, the patient’s health and safety is top priority.

“Those patients are still being taken care of and they are being separate from those other patients but we want you to know that YRMC is still a safe place for you to come," Dr. Diaz said.

"If you need care, if you are still in need of that abdominal pain taken care of or high blood pressure or chest pain, please come and seek care, we really want you not to put your health at risk and avoid coming here  for fear of being sick or being infected with COVID-19,” she added.