(KNSI) – CentraCare and Carris Health have filled their medical facilities, and they’re asking anyone with health care experience to join them. The health care providers say the pandemic is not over, and in many ways, it is worse.
“We have been working for more than 20 months to care for you, your families and friends during this pandemic. We are committed to helping every patient who needs us – a responsibility that has been much harder lately,” Ken Holmen, MD, CEO, and President of CentraCare.
According to a press release, staff at CentraCare struggle to find beds for critically ill patients, and the emergency room at CentraCare – St. Cloud Hospital is packed with patients who need to wait hours for the care they desperately need.
Officials say clinical teams are exhausted. CentraCare says staffing was a challenge before the pandemic, and now it’s much more demanding because people are leaving the profession.
CentraCare asks anyone who worked in health care in the past or has a licensure to return to work or volunteer.
CentraCare says the number of patients with COVID-19 has a ripple effect on the entire health care system, making it hard to find beds for patients with other health issues.
“We couldn’t have made it through the early pandemic without our community’s support, and we ask for your help again – when we need it most,” Holmen said.
CentraCare asks everyone to get vaccinated. According to doctors, vaccines are the best defense against this virus. Doctors say they have proven to be safe and effective in reducing COVID-19 illness, keeping people out of the hospital, and preventing death. Officials say they have the potential to end the pandemic, but only if more people get them.
Stop community spread by practicing social distancing and masking.
CentraCare says if you have any health care experience or licensure and would be willing to return to work or volunteer, please consider it.
If your situation is not an emergency, please use other care options. This will help open beds for patients who genuinely need one.
You can:
Visit a CentraCare eClinic online at centracare.com/eclinic, schedule same-day appointments with your primary care provider, speak with a CentraCare Connect nurse by calling 320-200-3200 or visit urgent care near you. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1, or visit the ER.
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