MADISON, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS)-- To help UW Health handle more than 10,000 concerned calls about the COVID-19 crisis, the hospital asked about a dozen retired nurses to return to work and help them man the COVID-19 hotline phones.

Nurse Beth Sommerfeldt says for her — there was no hesitation.  She wanted to come back to help her community deal with the difficult situation.  

"I felt like when all this pandemic was unfolding, I felt like I was in the wrong place, sitting at home and sipping my coffee and I needed to give back,  so that’s why I'm here," Sommerfeldt said.

The nurses help direct the calls to the appropriate levels of care. 

"A lot of people are afraid, what is their fear, their actual symptoms and from there, we help guide them," she said.

 If you need COVID-19 medical assistance, UW Health urges you to first call the hotline directly at, 608-720-5300.