Spectrum Health Announces First Death of a Patient with COVID-19

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., March 21, 2020 – A male patient in his 70s, who tested positive for COVID-19, passed away earlier today at a Spectrum Health hospital in West Michigan.

“On behalf of Spectrum Health and the clinical team dedicated to caring for this patient, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this individual,” said Joshua Kooistra, DO, chief medical officer, Spectrum Health. “We were saddened by his death and realize it is difficult news for our community as we face the reality of the COVID-19 outbreak. All of our team members, from clinicians to support staff, are committed to caring for our COVID-19 patients. We are united with our communities in fighting this virus together.”

Spectrum Health has been planning for months and continues to expand its operations to address the needs of patients. In addition to sending specimens to state and commercial labs for testing, Spectrum Health this week began processing COVID-19 tests at its lab in Grand Rapids and has completed almost 600 tests so far.

Spectrum Health has taken several steps to help fight the spread of COVID-19:

Prevention: We continue to encourage people to practice prevention efforts. Wash hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, avoid touching your face and avoid large gatherings. Social distancing of at least six feet is recommended.
Free virtual screenings: Spectrum Health offers free virtual screenings for COVID-19 to those in Michigan who have symptoms and may be concerned they have the virus. Callers to the hotline (616.391.2380) will be asked a series of questions about their condition by a Spectrum Health provider who will advise whether they need to seek additional care. The hotline has received more than 20,575 calls since it opened March 6, including approximately 2,000 calls yesterday.
Emergency Department Triage Tents: Triage tents have been opened at Butterworth and Blodgett hospitals and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and are being set up this week at Spectrum Health regional hospitals. It’s a dedicated space for patients with symptoms that could be related to COVID-19. Anyone who feels they have a cough, shortness of breath or fever, and needs emergency level care can be treated safely in this space.
Community Information and Resources: We have posted downloadable materials, travel tips, videos and other information on our website to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Community members, churches, schools, businesses and others are encouraged to visit spectrumhealth.org/covid19 to access the resources.

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People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

Contact:
Ellen Bristol
External Affairs Manager
Office: 616.391.4399
Mobile: 616.581.6474
Email: ellen.bristol@corewellhealth.org

Tim Hawkins
Media Relations
Office: 616.486.6091
Mobile: 616.443.0361
Email: timothy.hawkins@corewellhealth.org