In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center (TLRMC) is not allowing visitors into the facility (with three exceptions), and those exceptions allowed to enter will undergo a short screening process.
“These restrictions may be difficult for patients and their loved ones, but we are taking these necessary steps to protect patients and staff,” TLRMC CEO Wayne Meriwether said. “Limiting the number of visitors is temporary and is being done to safeguard the health of all who come into Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center.”
TLRMC, according to Meriwether, is prepared should an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) occur. The facility provided information on the steps TLRMC is taking to best serve the community while also protecting the health of its staff and patients.
What is TLRMC Doing?
- Developed a COVID-19 Emergency Operations Team that meets regularly to address needs within the organization and the community during this time. Ensuring we have adequate isolation precautions in place, screening processes for patients and visitors, ensuring we have adequate supplies, etc.
- Visitor restrictions: There are to be NO visitors allowed in the facility. Exceptions will be made for the following situations:
- If you have a family member who is nearing death.
- The OB department will allow ONE visitor per patient. This visitor must remain the same visitor the duration of the stay.
- If a child under the age of 18 is the patient, then ONE parent or caregiver is allowed to be with the patient. This person must remain the same for the duration of the stay.
- Access to the hospital is limited to the main entrance, the Emergency Department (ED) entrance and the Cave Bland entrance Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. On the weekend and after hours ONLY the ED entrance will be available. Everyone who enters the hospital will be screened.
- Securing supplies, such as Personal Protective Equipment. Materials Management is working to secure adequate supplies in the event we have an influx of COVID-19 patients.
- Education with the community, employees, and medical staff. Doing all of this via newspaper, electronic means to avoid gathering of crowds.
- We are currently not cancelling elective procedures.
- “Elective,” as defined by the Kentucky Hospital Association, simply means a procedure is scheduled rather than a response to an emergency.
- We will continue to provide needed procedures as it is safe to do so.
- Planning for an alternate care site in the event there is a major influx of patients and we do not have enough beds.
- This is a fluid situation and these standards may change to meet the community care needs.
To clarify the process through the United States:
- SCREENING means that questions about exposure and travel are asked, and evidence of infection by fever and laboratory testing is present. Anyone who is “positive” on screening is isolated.
- TESTING is the action of ruling-out many medical illnesses that can present in the same way, including COVID-19 (coronavirus).
COVID-19 has become a world challenge. There are several steps in the process of a patient presentation and actual diagnosis. We hope to lessen its impact and expanded testing is one tool toward that goal. Everyone can play a role in preventing exposure. Social Distancing (avoid crowds and those who are ill, stay home if you are ill) and Social Etiquette (wash hands, wipe common surfaces, cough/sneeze in your sleeve) are important ways we can all help.
Additional information can be obtained from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@K105.com
