LAURINBURG — In addition to its many preventative measures and services geared towards reducing the spread of COVID-19, Scotland Memorial Hospital is now providing two new treatments for infected patients in the hope of shortening hospital stays and even saving lives.
On Friday, the hospital staff administered its first dose of remdesivir, an experimental coronavirus drug that has shown promise in treating the virus in clinical trials. The antiviral drug has garnered a lot of attention since the FDA approved its use for the treatment of COVID-19 earlier this month, and the health care professionals at Scotland Health are excited about the opportunity to offer the treatment locally.
“The results from the remdesivir clinical trials are very encouraging,” said Dr. Cheryl Davis, chief medical officer. “With this drug, we have seen significant improvements in oxygen requirements for COVID-positive patients. Patients are moving into the recovery phase must faster and their conditions are improving much quicker.”
“In addition to remdesivir, Scotland Memorial Hospital has also been treating hospital inpatients with convalescent plasma,” Davis continued. “As we strive to be the premier rural hospital in the Carolinas, we will continue to be on the forefront of offering new treatments and technologies. Offering these cutting-edge COVID-19 treatments is way Scotland Health Care System is providing closer care that is better by far.”
For more information on COVID-19 and services provided by Scotland Health, please call our COVID-19 helpline at 910-405-8990.
