As an ophthalmologist and recovered coronavirus patient, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Bowling Green, is using his unique perspective to work with virus patients and staff at TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital.
Paul announced he was diagnosed with the coronavirus March 22. On Wednesday, he discussed a wide range of coronavirus-related issues outside the hospital, where he is volunteering.
He said his was “an exceptional case. I never had a fever. I never had a cough.”
He said he has since taken another coronavirus test that came back negative and a blood test showed he now had immunity from the virus, allowing him to volunteer at the hospital.
He has been making rounds with hospital staff each morning to visit patients – some with coronavirus and some who are in the hospital for other reasons.
He said he wanted to volunteer because it meant “one less nurse, one less doctor” without immunity who is exposed to coronavirus patients.
He has also been talking to staff – “whatever they ask me to do,” Paul said.
Greenview Regional Hospital Chief Executive Officer Mike Sherrod said he had been in touch with Paul and when he volunteered to help out, he jumped at the chance.
“We were tickled to death,” he said. “We appreciate … his support.”
He said the medical professionals dealing with the crisis are “heroes. … It’s amazing how people come together.”
Many coronavirus patients “want to know what to expect,” Paul said, adding that one of the biggest difficulties for the quarantined patients is not being able to see family.