To maintain the highest level of patient safety at Capital
Health, a new process has been
established for those arriving at the Emergency Departments (ED) at Capital
Health Regional Medical Center and Capital Health Medical Center —Hopewell.
Upon arrival, patients will be met by a clinical greeter who will assess their
condition. Patients with respiratory illness concerning for COVID-19 will be
evaluated by specially trained staff in new screening facilities adjacent to
the ED. All other patients will be
evaluated in our standard emergency department facilities.
“As an added safety measure during the current health
crisis, patients coming to our Emergency Departments will be screened before
entering,” said Dr. Louis D’Amelio, Vice President of Clinical Performance at
Capital Health. “From there, we will either bring them into the hospital or the
new treatment area based on the urgency of their condition or illness. After that, patients who require the
resources inside of our hospital will be brought in as necessary.”
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty
breathing, some of which are similar to the common cold, flu or allergies. If
you’re not feeling well, start by contacting your primary care provider for
instructions to be screened for appropriate testing. If you are having a
medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Patients who are tested for COVID-19 at Capital Health are
kept in isolation. Staff caring for these patients wear protective equipment to
limit spread of the virus, and any material or equipment they come in contact
with is rigorously disinfected. This strict protocol is the same that would be
used for a patient who tests positive for COVID-19 or flu.
Like all hospitals, Capital Health cares for patients with
respiratory disease and is treating patients with COVID-19 illness in
accordance with CDC guidelines. With these safety measures in place, patients
can be reassured that it remains safe to receive care at both Capital Health
hospitals.
