Health care facilities in Western Pennsylvania could recover more quickly financially

Updated on May 8, 2020

The novel coronavirus threatens the survival of hospitals, which in no time will run out of money. Health care facilities are facing unprecedented expenses and, since they can’t make a profit anymore, the only thing they can do is to rely on financial support and administrative relief from the government amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, hospitals are either firing or furloughing employees as they wait for instructions on how to access the billions of dollars promised by the president himself. 

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Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/face-mask-covid-19-epidemic-4986596/

Not all health care facilities are facing financial struggles, though. Those that haven’t dealt with a formidable surge in COVID-19 cases might actually be able to recover from the disaster and keep the doors open. Returning to normalcy is everyone’s dream. Hospitals in Western Pennsylvania could soon go back to normal, which is no little thing considering that other areas of the state are in distress. Only 2,300 cases were confirmed. If we take a close look at the overall situation, we’ll be surprised to discover that the state of Pennsylvania has 37,053 confirmed coronavirus cases. 

Western Pennsylvania hospitals not yet overwhelmed 

The early movement restrictions seem to be helping the population, as doctors haven’t had the chance to see the overcrowding that takes place in other parts of the country. The fact is that many parts of Pennsylvania have enjoyed a stroke of luck during the deadly pandemic, according to Andy Carter, chief executive officer and president of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. 

It’s quite possible that the medical units will survive the COVID-19 pandemic from a financial standpoint. Health care facilities are projected to lose $10.2 billion for the year in question and this only because they have been forced to postpone elective procedures. Western Pennsylvania’s early steps, which include mandating people to avoid crowds and staying at home, have produced an effect in the trajectory of the virus. 

Nevertheless, attention needs to be paid to the fact that no hospital is immune to the novel coronavirus. The deadly virus keeps expanding its footprint and the measures take time to work. If a certain area has only had mild cases of COVID-19, then luck came into play. Others that have implemented severe restrictions on their populations still saw the numbers spike. Regions that haven’t faced huge surges of infections have an opportunity to bring normalcy back and they should take advantage of it. To be more precise, they should get back to their normal routine and set an example for others. 

Patients and their families remain very concerned about the coronavirus infection 

It’s not necessary to carry out a nationwide survey to understand that people are anxious about the COVID-19 infection. Concerns are expressed everywhere. There’s the fear around health, the government’s ability to control the growing pandemic, not to mention the economy. What people want are tangible solutions. Better yet, a sense of certainty, something they can hang on to. Patients, as well as their families, are uneasy about the outcome of the entire situation. 

Fear is keeping some people away from the hospital setting. If they experience symptoms such as sudden weakness, they would rather not leave the home. This isn’t a bad thing. Health care professionals recommend avoiding unnecessary visits. Conditions such as heart disease can be diagnosed over the phone, so a visit to the doctor isn’t a must. Those who aren’t severely ill should stay at home and protect themselves. 

At present, health care facilities focus solely on treating COVID-19 cases – in other words, testing and caring for people that have been infected with the novel coronavirus. Needless to say, this takes up plenty of beds and uses up all the personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves. Physicians are required to work overtime and they’re rarely applauded for their efforts. 

The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania highlights the fact that patients need to be reassured that they can safely return to the hospital. It’s paramount to manage anxiety in patients and family members. Reassurance, i.e. the removal of fears, is a core aspect of medical care. Patients shouldn’t experience anxiety concerning access to safe care. 

Doctors urge residents to continue sheltering in place to prevent COVID-19 spread 

The rate of positive coronavirus tests hasn’t increased. As a matter of fact, it’s declining in the areas served by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The high surge that everyone is talking about hasn’t happened and there are slim chances that it ever will. However, if people don’t take safety measures seriously, then they’ll be inviting the spread of the novel coronavirus. There is community transmission of the deadly virus, which is the reason why social distancing and self-isolation rules remain in place.

The vast majority of citizens have gotten the message. They don’t leave their homes unless it’s absolutely necessary, going to the grocery store or the pharmacy. Even if they are confined to their homes, people are making the best of the situation. They’re eating, healthy, working out, and doing all sorts of things to boost their immune system, such as taking cannabidiol. The experts at Organic CBD Nugs point out to the fact that immune responses are regulated by cannabidiol. This translates into the fact that it supports the immune system. 

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, people play an important role by protecting themselves from the infectious disease. The little cash that health care facilities have will soon evaporate. It’s hoped that the Trump administration won’t be slow to distribute financial help. Losing a hospital can be devastating for the local community. The point is that everyone should bring something. Residents struggle with chronic conditions and, when life gets back to normal, they will immediately require medical assistance. Healthy people don’t require hospitalization and they don’t contribute to the spread of COVID-19. 

Western Pennsylvania is one of the few places where residents have understood the necessity of staying indoors. Additionally, they’re not confused about why they are subject to these orders. Health care facilities in Western Pennsylvania have a real chance of surviving the pandemic, even if it will leave its mark. After the disease, there won’t be any debt.   

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