The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed our lives. The way we shop, how our kids go to school, and visits with our physicians are all different than they were just months ago.
Prior to this crisis, Marshall Medical Center had been researching the possibility of virtual visits, but suddenly the need was urgent, and Marshall Foundation for Community Health jumped into action.
The COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund was launched in March, and our community came through. Within weeks, more than $64,000 was raised to support the impact of the virus on local healthcare needs. At the top of the list of needs was the ability for providers to see their patients virtually, allowing for patients to keep their appointments without leaving the safety of home. Thanks to our generous donors, Marshall Foundation for Community Health was able to procure 70 iPads for physician use, making telehealth at Marshall more seamless. Marshall adopted telehealth at the hospital and clinics within just three weeks, a feat that would have normally taken six months or longer.
“Since deployment of the iPads to Marshall providers, telehealth has been widely accepted and embraced by patients. Virtual visits are vital to ensuring that our patients, especially those with chronic or acute issues, are treated in a timely manner. ICU patients are also able to communicate with their families, alleviating their anxiety and isolation,” said Maia Schneider, Executive Director of Business Development for Marshall Medical Center.
Although the initial surge of COVID-19 did not lead to the patient volume Marshall prepared for, leadership continues to watch the viral spread with caution, and Marshall Foundation for Community Health remains at the ready to help.