Hospital Happenings – May 2020

It’s been almost seven weeks since Montrose Regional Health began facing and planning for the COVID-19 epidemic.  We’ve cared for more than 125 patients with COVID-related symptoms, opened a COVID specific unit and trained our staff and providers on everything they need to know when caring for this disease.  Policies and procedures have been written, hard to find supplies have been secured, processes have been learned and incredible partnerships and relationships have been formed and enhanced.  As a small, independent hospital, you can be proud that your Friends and Family at Montrose Memorial Hospital have risen to the challenge and are succeeding in this fight against COVID-19.

We now start the next chapter in this ongoing battle.  MRH has realized a substantial setback with our finances due to this pandemic and the cancellation of elective procedures and surgeries throughout the organization as every Hospital throughout the country has.  We are estimating a substantial loss for the month of April and many employees have taken pay cuts and budgets are being reviewed and cut back in many ways.  Our team and Board are working together to maintain the long-term sustainability of this hospital so we can continue to be the healthcare safety net for Montrose and the surrounding communities.  As with any disaster, many people have asked how they can help.  Montrose Regional Health has implemented a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund which will assist with COVID related expenses.  This fund will help with the extraordinary costs the hospital is incurring during this challenging time, and to aid in the fight by supporting the ever-changing highest and greatest needs of the hospital.  If you are interested in donating to this fund you can click HERE, or checks can be sent directly to MMH-COVID 19 Relief Fund, c/o Leann Tobin at 800 S. Third Street, Montrose, CO  81401.

We continue to remind ourselves that this fight against COVID-19 is a marathon and not a sprint, and we continue to be incredibly grateful for the support we have felt from our community.  The heartfelt notes, sidewalk chalk inspirational messages and treats brighten our days and lifts our spirits.  Thanks to the groups who have provided meals, gift bags and treats for our staff and some who have even delivered dinner and groceries to the homes of our hard-working front-line heroes.  To our families who have been there as we come home from our long days and you listen and comfort us – thank you.  And to many of you who check in with texts, notes and give us a call to talk about anything but COVID-19 – we appreciate you too!  It’s important to keep a healthy balance on this journey.

As the Governor’s Stay at Home is lifted, we ask that you continue to wear your masks, social distance and stay home as much as possible.  This virus has not gone away and we plan to care for more patients in the future.  We know that the decrease in activity in our community during the past six weeks definitely made a difference in our ability to meet our community’s healthcare needs and we are grateful.  Our MRH family will continue to be here to care for you and your family as needed.

Leann Tobin, Chief Marketing Officer, Montrose Regional Health