PeaceHealth St. John Continues To See Heavy Patient Volumes -08/12/21

PeaceHealth St. John is caring for an exceptionally high number of patients, including unprecedented volumes in our Emergency Department. At this time of high demand, it is important that people seek medical care in the most appropriate setting. Our emergency team is always available to provide immediate care for those experiencing life-threatening or emergent medical issues. We strongly recommend that patients needing care for minor medical issues consider a visit to an urgent care center or contact their primary care provider.

In recent days PeaceHealth St. John has seen an increase in mildly ill or asymptomatic patients coming to the Emergency Department for COVID-19 testing, putting added strain on resources. Those desiring a COVID test are encouraged to visit any of several testing locations in the community where tests are offered free of charge. For location information visit www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/2802/COVID-19-Testing

PeaceHealth St. John is also seeing a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 inpatients in our care. “Unfortunately, we are greatly concerned that the situation will not be easing soon,” says Jenny Aponte, MD, PeaceHealth St. John Chief Medical Officer. “According to the most recent forecast projections, the current surge in COVID-19 cases is anticipated to be the most dangerous yet, surpassing cases and hospitalizations.”

PeaceHealth strongly advocates that everyone who is medically able to get the COVID-19 vaccine do so without delay. Find information on vaccine availability at peacehealth.org/coronavirus. For the safety of all, our no visitor policy remains in place at the hospital and in all of our clinics.

PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center is a community-owned, not-for-profit, 193-bed acute care hospital and Level III trauma center located at 1615 Delaware St. in Longview, Washington. Recognized nationally as a Top 100 Hospital, PeaceHealth St. John provides a full range of outpatient and inpatient diagnostic, medical, and surgical services. The region’s health care leader for more than 75 years, PeaceHealth St. John is one of ten medical centers in the PeaceHealth system.