Macon, Ga-- Imagine waiting more than 30 hours to be admitted to the emergency room.
That’s what happened to one Middle Georgia Woman.
“I had no idea I would be spending days with them,” says Mirlande Dina Michel-Wiggins.
Michel-Wiggins, who lives in Fort Valley, traveled over 30 miles to Macon to receive health treatment at Atrium Health Navient.
“I went in because someone who came into one of my homes had symptoms of COVID-19. I learned that she had a fever after taking her to the emergency room, and I started to have symptoms myself,” says Michel-Wiggins.
Michel-Wiggins says to be precautious, she was tested for COVID-19, but the extended stay wasn’t what she was expecting.
“I spent a total of 30 plus hours at the ER,” says Michel-Wiggins.
Although her test came back negative for COVID-19, she says inside the hospital was a nightmare.
“So many people were suffering, crying of pain. There were people sleeping on the floors on sheets,” says Michel-Wiggins.
Michel-Wiggins says when she asked about the conditions and the long wait time, hospital officials said it was because so many people were sick.
“So they have no beds to admit patients. I was told they were trying their best to have patients being seen quickly,” says Michel-Wiggins.
We reached out to Atrium Health Navicent for an interview about this situation.
We also asked Michel-Wiggins what she thinks could be done differently by the hospital to make sure others have an easier experience than hers.
“Try to address their pain, don’t have them suffering until you can see them. Secondly, if a person is going to be sitting there long for 20 plus hours, give them a toothbrush or toothpaste, a snack or something,” says Michel-Wiggins
We did check with the Georgia Coordinating Center, and all three major hospitals in Bibb County are severely overcrowded.
"Like other health systems across the nation, Atrium Health Navicent is experiencing increased patient volumes and adverse effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our dedicated teammates are working to ensure all patients receive the appropriate level of care. Patients are urged to take advantage of virtual visits and appointments at Atrium Health Navicent’s three urgent care centers for non-emergency treatment. For more information about virtual visits and our urgent care centers, visit navicenthealth.org.Atrium Health Navicent encourages everyone aged 12 and older to become vaccinated against COVID-19. Anyone with questions about the vaccine should speak with their primary care provider. To find a vaccine provider, visit dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine. The community is also encouraged to practice COVID-safe behaviors such as frequent handwashing, mask wearing and social distancing."