Bratzler says the number of unvaccinated communities in Oklahoma has allowed COVID to take firmer hold than in other states.

Counties in the northeast and southeast Oklahoma are bearing the highest increases per capita and the numbers show central Oklahoma has so far been spared a big spike.ĭespite that Dr. 'I know in Northeast Oklahoma they’re already stretched with respect to ICU capacity because of COVID-19.”Įarlier this week, Integris Hospital in Grove reported being asked to take COVID patients from Arkansas and Missouri. “I think all of us are concerned about hospitalizations,' Dr. Dale Bratzler with the University of Oklahoma says are also strained.

McNab hopes the move will help Freeman Health increase the number of patients it can care for - and avoid transfers to nearby hospitals which Dr. “It’s disappointing to see the rock roll back down the hill and realize, ‘Oh boy, I’ve been here before and I didn’t like it the first time,'” he said.ĭr. Robert McNab, Freeman Health System's COVID-19 response director, hopes a new ward keeps transfers low. Freeman West Hospital in Joplin has seen a spike in cases but Dr. Tulsa's proximity to COVID hot spots in neighboring states means patients get sent to Oklahoma when smaller hospitals fill up. Freeman Hospital West In Joplin Opens New COVID Unit To Accommodate Case SpikeĪs Oklahoma hospitals see a rise in COVID patients coming from Missouri, a Joplin hospital is adding a new COVID unit.

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