Consider looking elsewhere: COVID, other ailments have all beds full at hospital in Lumberton

All beds at UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton are full, causing facility employees to ask patients not needing immediate emergency care to consider looking elsewhere.

Medical center officials asking people to visit a primary care doctor or urgent care clinic if they are not feeling well. Many patients needing admission at Southeastern are facing delays as all staffed beds are occupied.

"Patients who do seek care from our emergency department will be treated in order of the seriousness of their condition," said Renae Taylor, UNC Health Southeastern Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive. "Individuals who seek emergency care for minor health issues will likely face extensive delays and, for that reason, we are encouraging them to seek alternatives for their care."

Taylor said someone with an urgent health emergency will still be cared for and shouldn't hesitate to come in.

Although the community is seeing a jump in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, there is also a spike in various health conditions and aliments behind the rush. The state's latest COVID-19 county alert system lists Robeson County with "significant" community spread and a slight hospital impact.

Appointments for UNC Health Southeastern primary care clinics can be scheduled by calling the clinic directly or scheduling through the call center at 1-844-735-8864.