San Angelo Community Medical Center Working to Keep Everyone Safe

SAN ANGELO, TX – San Angelo Community Medical Center CEO Rod Schumacher released the following statement about COVID-19:

"Hospital Week 2020 has a deeper meaning this year as the San Angelo Community Medical Center team celebrates our work to provide safe, high-quality care for patients.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it crystal clear just how much communities rely on their local hospitals and also how much we rely on you. During the past few weeks, we have felt an outpouring of support and we are grateful to everyone who has delivered a meal, sewn a face mask, left a card, a sign or a chalk drawing, or who has just reached out to one of our caregivers and support team to say – Thank You. Thank you for doing all of that.
San Angelo Community Medical Center is accustomed to responding in times of crisis, but this pandemic is unlike anything any of us has ever experienced. We know it has created anxiety for many people, especially when it comes to seeking healthcare services. So we want you to know two things.
First, you can count on us to maintain a safe environment for patients and employees. We are taking extraordinary measures – going above and beyond all of our normal efforts to keep our hospital clean and safe – because if you need healthcare, we want you to feel confident and to know that you are protected. We are screening everyone who comes into the hospital, which includes temperature checks, following universal masking guidelines to protect our patients and staff, and rearranging our environments to enable physical distancing. As of May 20, 2020, we have had zero COVID-19 hospitalizations; in the event we ever do have any patients with COVID-19 at the hospital, we will care for them in an area that is separate and isolated from the rest of the hospital. Of course, our cleaning staff is disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and doing a terrific job of keeping the hospital clean.
Further, we want you to know that if you have sudden symptoms that may indicate an emergency health concern, you should seek immediate medical attention. Tragically, people with serious emergencies, including heart attacks and stroke, are waiting too long for medical care. Getting prompt medical treatment could be the difference between life and death – so please, don’t ignore or rationalize the signs of a health emergency. Call 911, come to the hospital, and get the help you need.
The same goes for chronic conditions and even routine healthcare needs. Many of our doctors offer telehealth visits for those who prefer not to come into the office. But, if an in-person visit is required, we are keeping our clinics clean and safe – so you can visit your doctor, if needed.
I am very proud of our team and the way they have responded. I am also proud of everyone in our community who has stayed home to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Standing together we have seen how powerful our human connection really is. So keep standing together – but stay six feet apart. Wash your hands frequently. Tell someone how much you love and appreciate them. If you need healthcare, please do not be afraid. We are here and prepared to care for you, and also to keep you safe."