Letter to the Editor

By David Clay

Hospital Week has deeper meaning this year as the Lower Keys 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’ve felt an outpouring of support and we are grateful to everyone who has delivered a meal, brought homemade treats, sewn or donated masks or faceshields, left a card or sign, or who has just reached out to one of our caregivers and support team to say – thank you.  Thank you for doing that.

Lower Keys Medical Center is used to responding in times of crisis. But, this pandemic is unlike anything any of us has ever experienced. And, we know it has created anxiety for many people, especially when it comes to seeking healthcare services. 

You can count on Lower Keys Medical Center 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 facilities clean and safe – because if you need healthcare, we want you to feel confident and to know you are protected. We also want you to know that if you have sudden symptoms that may indicate an emergency health concern, you can – and you should – seek immediate medical attention.  Call 9-1-1, 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 offices safe – so you can visit your doctor, if needed. 

This hospital week, I am so proud of our team and the way they have stepped up to this new normal. I’m proud of everyone in our community who has stayed home to help flatten the curve and limit the spread of COVID-19. I’m proud of our community leaders who have taken extra measures to keep our residents as safe as can be and to protect our healthcare workers by limiting opportunity for the virus to spread. At Lower Keys Medical Center, we also feel for our neighbors who are facing financial hardship throughout this time. 

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 appreciate them.  Our hospital family is here and prepared to care for you, and also to keep you safe.

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