FAQs for Patients
May 26, 2020
Is the hospital clean and safe?
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. For example, we disinfect all surfaces, especially touch point surfaces multiple times per day, and have air filtration systems to keep the air purified and clean.
Do you have the supplies and capacity to accommodate my procedure?
Our clinical teams will conduct daily “briefing huddles” in which they will review crucial supplies such as PPE (masks, gloves, etc.), 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, 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. 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.
Will my experience be the same as in the past?
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.
What should I expect during my procedure?
Upon arrival at the facility, you will be asked the same standard screening questions. We are requesting that you bring your own mask or bandana from home to cover your mouth and nose during your visit.
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.
What questions will I be asked during the screening?
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.
How will I prepare for my procedure?
Though not a requirement, you also will be strongly encouraged to:
- Practice “safer at home” behaviors for seven (7) days to minimize potential exposure prior to your procedure. This means going a step further from social distancing – trying only to leave your home for critical needs such as groceries or going to the pharmacy. If you need to leave for an essential purpose, or for work, it is strongly recommended that you wear a mask in public settings, and where practicing social/physical distancing is difficult to achieve, you should be even more diligent about proper hand hygiene.
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19; and
- Check your temperature and record it twice a day during this seven-day period. You should report any temperature above 100°F to your provider.
Will I be tested for COVID-19?
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 imaging procedure, you will be screened, but not tested for COVID-19.
Can my family member/spouse/friend/caregiver come with me to the facility?
If you have a family member/spouse/friend/caregiver with you, he/she will not be permitted to enter the hospital. We are still operating under our zero-visitor protocol out of an abundance of caution. When you arrive, you will either park and enter through the Emergency Department entrance or be dropped off by your family member/spouse/friend/caregiver at the Emergency Department entrance, where they will remain in the car. 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.
What happens when I arrive for my procedure?
When you arrive at the facility, you will be asked the same standard screening questions. We are requesting that you bring your own mask or bandana from home to cover your mouth and nose during your visit.
Will I be treated near COVID-19 patients?
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 DHEC and CDC guidelines. Our hospital has a dedicated isolation unit/wing for treatment of patients under investigation (PUIs) and patients who have tested positive for COVID-19.
If I have additional questions about my procedure, who should I contact?
If you have any questions, please call our team at 843.339.4700.