By: News On 6, Grant Stephens
JOPLIN, Missouri -
As Oklahoma hospitals see a rise in COVID patients coming from Missouri, a Joplin hospital is adding a new COVID unit.
Tulsa s proximity to COVID hot spots in neighboring states means patients get sent to Oklahoma when smaller hospitals fill up. Freeman West Hospital in Joplin has seen a spike in cases but Dr. Robert McNab, Freeman Health System s COVID-19 response director, hopes a new ward keeps transfers low.
“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.