Stillwater, OK – In response to a record number of positiveCovid-19 cases, and the overwhelming demand on our healthcare system, Stillwater Medical has declared a Code Green, which indicates an external disaster is in effect causing critical internal staffing levels.

“It is important for the public to understand that our resources to provide care for our community are extremely strained right now,” said Shyla Eggers, Director of Public Relations.   “We are seeing a record number of patients daily which has resulted in our Emergency Department, our inpatient units, including ICU, and both of our urgent care locations to be at or over maximum capacity.” 

Stillwater Medical is also seeing a record number of healthcare workers out with Covid-19 which has further strained their already stretched staffing resources. Declaring an emergency gives the hospital the ability to put processes into place to consolidate resources, implement crisis strategies, and re-evaluate procedure schedules to assist in the staffing needs of the hospital. 

“Testing for COVID-19 is an important step in decreasing the spread and keeping our community safe.” Said Necia Kimber, System Director of Quality and Infection Control. “However, due to large increases in positive cases and patient loads in the Emergency departments and urgent care clinics, we would like to encourage those who are seeking testing only and not medical care to utilize the alternate testing locations.” 

Stillwater Medical is pleading with our community members to help reduce the rapid spread of Covid-19 and help alleviate the current strain on all healthcare systems by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask in public settings. 

“If you have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms, please follow the CDC recommendations found on their website related to testing and isolation,” said Kimber.