Our hospital is clean and safe -- just like it always has been! One of the core elements of properly managing infectious diseases is the cleanliness of our physical facility. Our infection control nurse and EVS director review our current cleaning and disinfect supplies on an on-going basis to keep our hospital current on the most effective cleaning and disinfection protocols available in healthcare today.

Our clinical teams will conduct twice daily "go/no-go" meetings in which they will review crucial supplies such as PPE, medications, blood, space and staffing to ensure that we have enough to comfortably care for those undergoing elective/non-urgent procedures AND accommodate our normal emergency care and potential COVID-19 patients.

We are not booking our schedules to full capacity. Out of an abundance of caution and with the conservation of supplies in mind, we are not starting with a full schedule right away. Should things continue to progress positively, we'll increase our capacity on a week-by-week basis. This is for your safety and ours.

Do you have enough staff to resume elective/non-urgent procedures?
Our team regularly monitors staffing levels to ensure a safe environment for all patients, providers and employees. In addition, we screen all employees daily for COVID-19 symptoms. We are confident that we have the appropriate staff and providers to resume elective and non-urgent procedures while also accommodating our normal emergency care and potential COVID-19 patients.

Your experience in our facility may look a little different than in the past, but this is because we have new processes and procedures in place to further protect your health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upon arrival at the facility, you will be asked the same standard screening questions and provided with a mask (if you do not already have one). If you have your own mask or bandana to cover your mouth and nose, you can wear that.

We continue to operate under a zero-visitor protocol out of an abundance of caution, so your family member/spouse/friend/caregiver will not be permitted to enter the hospital. We will gather their contact information so we can follow up with them to provide an update after your procedure and share instructions for pick up at the same location.

You may never see another patient while you are here, and that is intentional for now. We are currently trying to minimize overlap in an effort to promote social distancing, conserve resources, and protect the safety of all of our patients and employees.

You are going to be asked COVID-19 screening questions multiple times by multiple people, up until you are admitted for your procedure. You may get tired of these questions, but we assure you they are for your health and safety, and that of our staff.

You may never see the faces of your care team members under their protective equipment. We do regret this, as the personal connections we have with our patients and community are what keep us going. However, this is an important precaution we are taking to protect you and our clinical staff.

The questions are part of our standard COVID-19 screening process and include asking if you have....

Fever
Cough
Shortness of Breath
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell
Whenever you are asked, please answer these screening questions honestly. If your procedure has to be postponed, it will be just that: postponed. It does NOT mean it will be canceled, and we will work with you to reschedule as soon as possible.

The questions are part of our standard COVID-19 screening process and include asking if you have....

Fever
Cough
Shortness of Breath
Chills
Repeated shaking with chills
Muscle pain
Headache
Sore throat
New loss of taste or smell
Whenever you are asked, please answer these screening questions honestly. If your procedure has to be postponed, it will be just that: postponed. It does NOT mean it will be canceled, and we will work with you to reschedule as soon as possible.

If you are having a surgical procedure, you will be tested for COVID-19 prior to your procedure. Your provider will place the order for the test, and the hospital will reach out with instructions for scheduling. If your test happens to be positive, your procedure will be postponed, and you will be given instructions related to your care. If you are having an outpatient procedure, you will be screened and masked, but not tested for COVID-19.

For same day surgery, you will be permitted one visitor. No visitors with those having general imaging, labs or other outpatient services. Exception, OB Ultrasound is allowed one visitor. When you arrive, you will either park and then enter through our ED Waiting Room/Walk-in Emergency Entrance, or be dropped off by your family member/spouse/friend/caregiver at this same entrance.

hat happens when I arrive for my procedure?
When you arrive at the facility, you will be asked the same standard screening questions, temperature checked and provided with a mask (if you do not already have one). If you have your own mask or bandana to cover your mouth and nose, you can wear that.

We are not performing elective/non-urgent procedures on COVID-19 positive patients at this time.
All patients who test positive for an infectious disease, including COVID-19, are isolated for treatment in accordance with TDH and CDC guidelines.

If you have any questions regarding your surgical procedure, please call our team at 615-735-5195.