As the state begins to reopen, local hospitals are preparing to expand patient care.
Dr. David Drinkwater, the President of the Signature Medical Group, says extra precautions are in place as their clinics and hospitals reopen.
“We’ve changed our patient flow, so people can essentially go from parking lot to exam room when they come to see a doctor,” said Drinkwater. “We’re making those changes in our environment so people can feel confident that they can put on a mask, get screened, come in, and see a healthcare professional who’s wearing appropriate PPE, and get their issue they’re having taken care of.”
They’re starting to open at a lower volume. He said last week they were up to 25 percent of a normal level for elective surgeries.
He says all patients, employees, and people entering facilities are being screened.
“Anyone who does have symptoms, we are able to use the rapid analyzer test and get a result very quickly. We are able to segregate anyone who’s deemed suspicious into a different part of the emergency room,” said Drinkwater. “If it’s at our medical group, to a different part of the clinic or a different building. We’re separating these populations as fast as we can.”
With safety guidelines in place, Drinkwater said one concern is people who aren’t seeking care due to the coronavirus.
“That creates its own risk. We’ve been talking about this within the organization,” said Drinkwater.
“There are cancers that are not being diagnosed because people stopped getting screenings done. There are diabetes and high blood pressure patients who are no longer in control of their disease. There are all sorts of healthcare risks that are starting to pile up.”
Drinkwater said they’ll continue to monitor and do everything they can to keep their facilities safe.
More information about the new policies and procedures can be found here.
