September 23, 2021 3:40 a.m.

Due to tapering COVID-19 cases, Aviva Health has ended it’s pre-emergency room triage support at CHI Mercy Health Mercy Medical Center.

An Aviva release said the pre-ER triage began on August 26th during the latest COVID-19 surge. It was an effort aimed at identifying COVID-19 patients accessing emergency services at the hospital who did not require emergency care, and redirecting them to treatment in another setting.

Aviva said during the four-week mission, staff comprised of clinicians from Aviva Health and Mercy assessed and treated more than 210 COVID-19 patients, easing the burden on the hospital’s emergency room at a time when that service line and inpatient capacity was pushed to its limits.

Aviva Health CEO KC Bolton said given the strong partnership with Mercy and the talents and selfless commitment of staff members from a variety of organizations, Aviva was able to quickly stand up the pre-ER triage operation. He said, “We are grateful for the bonds that have developed between and among many community organizations over these last 19 months”.

As the pandemic pushes on, Bolton said Aviva will continue to assess the needs of its health partners and the community, and respond as necessary.

Mercy Health Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jason Gray said “During our recent COVID surge, the mobile unit served a valuable service to our patients that presented to our ED in need of care but could be treated and prescribed follow up outpatient treatment options”. Dr. Gray said the partnership was a great benefit to their staff and to community members to whom they provide care.