News Release
NORTH PLATTE, Neb.- Great Plains Health employees lined the hallway to celebrate Tuesday afternoon as a patient was discharged after treatment for COVID-19 that included five days on a ventilator.
Fifty-six-year-old Oscar Orellana of Dawson County was cheered by more than 50 Great Plains Health employees as he was wheeled out of the hospital after 13 days in the COVID unit.
Orellana gave written consent for the send-off and was happily shouting “te amo” – I love you – to the staff as they wheeled him to his waiting family members. Wearing a Great Plains Health “together, we will rise” t-shirt, Orellana was also carrying 13 roses given to him by one of his nurses, Maddie Hoaglund. “He spent 13 days away from his wife and roses are her favorite flower,” said Hoaglund.
“This was a very sick patient and we are pleased to be celebrating his successful recovery,” said Mel McNea, Great Plains Health chief executive officer. “It is also a time to recognize the ongoing commitment and dedication of our staff members who are working the front lines during this COVID-19 pandemic. The celebration of Oscar’s discharge is confirmation that our hospital and team members are offering the best COVID-19 care to members of our region.”
Orellana will self-quarantine at home as he continues to recover from the disease and gain strength.
As of May 4, there have been 6,083 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Nebraska and 78 deaths. In Lincoln County, there have been 33 positive cases and 2 deaths.