As the number of patients who require care for COVID-19 at McLaren Greater Lansing continues to decrease, McLaren is resuming all health care services as restrictions put in place by the state are being lifted.
McLaren Greater Lansing is now treating less than 10 COVID-19 patients, down from a peak of 21 patients in mid-April. Since then, the number of positive tests and patients being admitted for COVID-19 at McLaren have steadily declined.
Since March 10, McLaren Greater Lansing has discharged nearly 50 COVID-19 patients, with 11 patients coming off a ventilator to breathe on their own.
“Our preparation for COVID-19 began long before we saw our first patient with the virus,” said Kirk Ray, McLaren Greater Lansing President & CEO. “Our team secured ample personal protective equipment (PPE), added additional space in the ICU in the event it was needed, and designated an entire unit for COVID-19 treatment to be ready for a potential surge of cases.”
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant drop in the number of people seeking care in emergency departments across Michigan, and fewer people are seeking treatment for heart attacks, strokes, and other potentially life-threatening conditions.
“Some patients have delayed their care out of apprehension of entering a hospital because of potential exposure to COVID-19,” said Linda Peterson, MD, FAPM, McLaren Greater Lansing Chief Medical Officer. “Cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions won’t wait for the pandemic to end, and care can’t be delayed.”
McLaren Greater Lansing has sweeping new safety precautions in place, including screening everyone for COVID-19 symptoms when they enter their facilities. The hospital’s waiting rooms have been modified to allow for simpler social distancing, and the McLaren emergency department offers online check-in to allow for social distancing from home. A full list of safety precautions can be found at mclaren.org/safecare.