Regional Health System Asks for Patient Cooperation During Rally

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A health care system in western South Dakota is asking for its patients' cooperation during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally that begins Monday.

KNBN-TV reports that Regional Health is asking patients to visit their primary care providers or urgent care clinics if their condition is not considered an emergency.

The health system says the emergency department of Rapid City Regional Hospital is busier than usual during the weeklong rally.

Regional Health says emergency department care should be sought for chest pain, shortness of breath, severe pain, altered mental state or confusion, head and eye injuries, serious burns, bleeding that won't stop or other serious conditions.

The health system's urgent care clinics will have expanded weekend hours during the rally that will run through August 9th.

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