Health-Care Officials Urge People Not to Delay Medical Help

People delaying their medical care is emerging as a byproduct of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

It's become so apparent, that six Boston teaching hospitals have partnered on a series of public service announcements urging people not to put off contacting their doctors or avoid emergency rooms because of COVID-19 fears.

Part of the reduction can be explained by the stay-home advisories that are keeping people off roads and at home. But all three said there has been a significant dip in emergency room admissions regarding stroke and cardiac symptoms, and delays in treatment for children.

There's definitely a sense of fear in the community about going to a hospital because that's where COVID-19 patients are being treated, said Dr. James Lederer, chief medical officer of Berkshire Medical Center in a recent interview.

"If you think you need help then come to the emergency room, come to our urgent care centers, that's what we're here for," Lederer said last week.

Lederer said Berkshire Medical is taking precautions to make it as safe as possible for people seeking care for medical issues other than the novel coronavirus. Berkshire County has high incidences of heart disease, diabetes, strokes and other chronic diseases that won't get better by ignoring them.

Read the entire article on iBerkshires.com