MCHI reports ‘alarming rise’ in COVID-19 cases

Memorial Community Health, Inc. (MCHI), similar to healthcare organizations across many parts of the state and country, is seeing an alarming increase in the level of COVID-19 positivity in the community.  Causes for concern include rising levels of illness and hospitalizations, and should a patient need ICU care, most facilities in Nebraska as well as neighboring states are at capacity.
“We strongly urge the public to be vigilant in helping to stop the current increase of transmission of COVID-19 in our community,” said Diane Keller, CEO of MCHI. “While we encourage those who are eligible to become vaccinated, we also strongly encourage everyone to take immediate measures to help stop the spread by wearing a mask in public or when around others not in your immediate household, washing and sanitizing your hands, and staying a distance away from others as much as possible.”
MCHI medical staff is raising the alarm given difficulties in finding ICU beds. Staff have reported calling across the state and to surrounding states to find a facility that has bed availability.
“It’s very concerning and we are running into roadblocks as facilities with ICU beds are currently at capacity,” voiced Tim Widhalm, M.D., who is currently the organization’s Chief of Staff.  “We want our community to know that we are committed to providing the highest level of care possible here in our facility.  Each person in this community has the power to help us in that mission. COVID-19 is here and is wrecking havoc with our lives. Please, please, please -- take precautions to slow things down.”