In order to help reduce the possibility of transmission of COVID-19, Hardin Memorial Hospital will erect a triage tent outside the emergency department (ED) entrance.
The goal is to keep those who have flu-like symptoms separate from those who do not.
This is a proactive measure we are taking to be prepared in the event the process of outside triage becomes necessary.
It is NOT a walk-up site for COVID-19 screening.
How it will work…
When a patient comes to the ED for treatment of an injury or other reason, they will first go into the triage tent where they will be quickly screened.
Depending on the result, the patient will either be directed to the normal intake desk inside the ED or onto an alternate pathway into the ED for treatment.
This will help limit the exposure to other members of the community and care team. In this unprecedented time, our main focus is the health and safety of our patients and associates. This triage process will help us accomplish that.
Hardin Memorial Hospital would like to remind the community of the process they should take in case they feel that they have symptoms of the Coronavirus.
If a patient is symptomatic, their first call should be to their primary care physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, you should call the Ohio Department of Health Public Call Center at 1-833-427-5634.
If you are acutely ill, it is appropriate to go to the emergency department (ED), but you are encouraged to call the ED before coming in.
In the case of patients coming to the hospital to have lab work or other emergent testing done, they will be greeted by an associate at the door.
The COVID-19 screening process is still in affect and consists of staff, medical personnel, patients and those visitors (who fall under exceptions, i.e., end of life situations) coming into the hospital will be required to have their temperature taken.
Associates, care providers and visitors will not be allowed to enter the building if their temperature is above 100 degrees. If a patient's temperature is over 100 degrees, they will be given a mask and taken to the appropriate area for care.
The hospital would also like to remind the community to abide by the Governor’s directives to help contain the spread of the virus. If at all possible, stay home, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, and maintain social distancing if/when you need to go out.
