We are here.
As coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreads through our community, it seems all other health concerns and emergency medical situations have been on hold. But that’s not the case. Even during the pandemic, emergencies unrelated to COVID-19 occur.
If you have an injury or a medical situation that needs immediate attention, don’t put off getting care. It could save your life.
Act on your concerns, don’t delay
The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been overwhelming. The majority of people have been following the stay at home order and social distancing when out in public. Unfortunately, we’re seeing the consequences of people also staying away from health care during this time. Some of these include:
- Waiting too long to seek care for injuries like broken bones or deep cuts and ending up with serious infections that could have been prevented.
- Not seeking care for new or worsening health conditions, such as warning symptoms for heart attacks or strokes.
- Making themselves more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 symptoms by not managing chronic conditions.
- Delay in regular vaccine schedules raising concerns that kids will be at risk for life-threatening but preventable diseases.
Kittitas Valley Healthcare providers are united in ensuring the availability and safety of accessing care. We’re available to care for you and your family, whether your concern is physical or emotional. Don’t delay.
Our hospital & clinics are safe
Your health and safety are our top priorities. We have safety measures in place and are following local, state and federal protocols to keep our patients and caregivers safe in our hospital and clinics.
Care at clinics and the hospital looks different now. That’s because we are taking specific steps to keep you safe when you seek care, including:
- Separate people with COVID-like symptoms from others. All hospitalized COVID-19 patients are cared for in special units of the hospitals, away from other patients
- Distance people from one another with reminders of safe distances and protective barriers in some areas
- Limit visitors for appointments and patients
- Increase the use of masks for staff and visitors
- Change the waiting room experience, or eliminating the waiting room entirely
- Increase cleaning of common and high touch items like door handles, elevator buttons, tables, and chairs. (We already have high standards when it comes to cleaning and keeping germs from spreading.)
If you have specific questions regarding a clinic or hospital department you are visiting, call ahead and we would be happy to address your concerns.
Where to go when you need immediate care
When you’re not feeling well or you’re experiencing cold or flu symptoms, it can be difficult to know where to go, and when. If you think your condition is life-threatening, don’t hesitate, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Below are some medical symptoms and conditions that warrant a visit to the emergency department for immediate evaluation:
- Difficulty breathing
- Heart attack or chest pain
- Head trauma
- Seizures
- Stroke symptoms
- Severe bleeding
- Losing consciousness
- Fever in a child less than age two months
When to go to an urgent care clinic
The KVH Urgent Care clinic in Cle Elum is ideal for those times you need same-day care for a minor medical emergency and you are in Upper County. If you are in the Ellensburg area, contact your local clinic to see what type of same-day appointments they have available.
The symptoms that can be evaluated and treated at an urgent care clinic include:
- Sprains and minor cuts
- Headaches and migraines
- Fever, cough, cold or flu
- Burns
- Minor fractures
- Animal or insect bites
Schedule an appointment with your health care provider
If your condition isn’t an emergency, but you want talk to a professional for an evaluation, schedule a visit with your primary or specialty health care provider. When you call the clinic you may be offered a virtual visit or an in-person visit depending on the nature of your appointment. Learn more about virtual visits.
We’re here to help
Being worried during this uncertain time is normal. The stress and anxiety – and even frustration – that comes with being quarantined can have many negative consequences to your health. Please don’t compromise your mental or physical well-being by delaying seeking care when you need it. Come see us, and we’ll all get through this together.