Froedtert doctors: Don't go to ER for COVID-19 test
Hospital had to convert storage space into overflow emergency care rooms
Hospital had to convert storage space into overflow emergency care rooms
Hospital had to convert storage space into overflow emergency care rooms
The region's only level-one trauma center is also facing a COVID-19 crisis in its emergency department.
Continuing Coverage: COVID-19 in Wisconsin
Froedtert Hospital is asking for the public's help.
"The volume is just so high now. There's just so many people," said Dr. Jason Liu of Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Liu and the emergency team at Froedtert Hospital are used to dealing with crises but nothing like the current COVID-19 surge.
"In my career, I've not seen numbers and volumes like this," Liu said.
It's straining hospital space and staffing and forcing long wait times for patient care.
COVID-19 has even pushed some emergency care outside the ER.
The COVID-19 surge has put such stress on the hospital that it had to convert storage space into overflow emergency care rooms.
Something that has contributed to that volume is the people showing up in the ER solely for a COVID-19 test.
"It takes up space and time from the patients that are having the emergency medical conditions," Liu said.
The hospital is now posting signs and encouraging people to seek COVID-19 testing through their doctors, public testing sites or the hospital's online signup.
"Get testing through our online process. It's very easy. It's very quick. If you just want testing, our emergency departments, our urgent cares are definitely not the places to go to," Dr. Bradley Crotty said.
"You simply can't do that here right now?" WISN 12's Kent Wainscott asked Liu.
"Right now we're taking care of the people who really need to be here," Liu said.
To sign up to get a test through Froedtert, click here.
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