(KWWL) — Leaders at UnityPoint Health are asking Iowans to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including a rise in hospitalizations across the state.
A statement from the the company says the challenges they are facing are “very real and urgent.” The statement goes on to say the entire UnityPoint Health System is seeing an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations.
Officials say they continue to work with community partners to ensure they have the necessary beds, equipment, staffing and PPE. They say they have a plan in place “should there be a need for additional coronavirus care.”
With an increasing number of staff out with COVID-19 or isolating at home, staffing remains an issue for the UnityPoint Health System. They say the problem is not unique to their organization and other healthcare organizations are experiencing similar issues. UnityPoint facilities report their employees are both physically and mentally exhausted, but “continue to show up every single day for you, your friends and your family.”
The statement reflects similar remarks made by Dr. Dave Williams, Chief Clinical Officer at UnityPoint Health, during Governor Kim Reynolds’ coronavirus briefing on Thursday morning.
The full statement from UnityPoint Health is below:
It’s crucial for the public to understand that the challenges we are facing are very real and urgent. The entire UnityPoint Health System is seeing an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations. We continue to work closely with our community partners to ensure we have the necessary beds, equipment, staffing and PPE to safely care for our communities, whether it is COVID-19 or other illness or injury. We have plans in place should there be a need for additional coronavirus care.
Like other healthcare organizations, adequate staffing remains an issue for our system, with an increasing number of our staff out with COVID-19 or isolating at home. Additionally, our staff is both physically and mentally exhausted. They’ve been fighting this virus, and fighting for their patients, for eight months. They continue to show up every single day for you, your friends and your family.
The bottom line is: We need your help. We’re at a critical point in our state’s fight against COVID-19. It is going to take every one of us doing our part to get this virus under control. Please protect your family, your community, and your local health care workers by wearing a mask, washing your hands, staying home when you are sick, practicing social distancing and getting your flu shot. If we work together, we can reduce the COVID-19 positivity numbers.
UnityPoint Health
Source: kwwl.com
