As covid cases continue to spike in Wareham and across the state, Southcoast Health announced that as of Dec. 17, the hospital system will postpone all non-emergency and routine procedures to ensure the system has the capacity to care for emergency, critical and acute care patients.

On Tuesday, Dec. 21, Gov. Charlie Baker recommended that all residents, regardless of vaccination status, wear a face covering in indoor public spaces.
The hospital has emphasized that it is still open, and no one should delay seeking care for serious conditions. Those who suspect they may have a serious heart, lungs or limb infections or brain conditions or who have sustained serious injuries should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Conditions that require a visit to the emergency room include: new or prolonged chest pain, weakness/numbness on one side or limb, new slurred speech or confusion, new fainting or a change in mental state, serious burns, a major head or eye injury, broken bones or dislocated joints, new seizures, severe cuts that may require stitches, facial lacerations, severe respiratory symptoms, vaginal bleeding with pregnancy, or high fever with a shortness of breath, headache or rash. 

Some less severe issues can be handled at urgent care centers, including minor cuts or moderate flu symptoms. The urgent care center at Wareham Crossing is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. The center will be closed on Christmas and New Years Day. 

For routine conditions, patients are urged to use telemedicine or their regular doctor’s offices. 

During the holiday season, the hospital system is urging people to take additional precautions like limiting gathering size, practicing social distancing, wearing a mask and consider getting tested — routinely before gatherings and when experiencing respiratory symptoms. 

Southcoast Health urges everyone to get vaccinated for covid and the flu. Southcoast Health is offering Pfizer vaccines from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays at 100 Rosebrook Way in Wareham.