Local hospital updates
From Waco Strategic Communications Workgroup (led my Counsel Member Hector Sabido and Natalie Kelinske of Waco Foundation):
May 29, 2020
Our local healthcare institutions are working hard to keep patients and our community safe. We’ve outlined a summary of the preventive measures they are taking to protect all of us.
BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE – HILLCREST
One visitor per day for patients receiving care for conditions other than COVID-19. All visitors must be over the age of 16, use designated entrances, wear a mask and be screened upon arrival. Only one visitor per 24-hour period. For more information, visit bswhealth.com.
COVID-19 testing of patients deemed appropriate through individual case review prior to in-hospital surgeries; patient swabs collected via convenient drive-thru locations.
Virtual waiting rooms allowing clinic patients and loved ones of hospital or surgery center patients to receive updates about their care via calls and text messaging minimizing time in common areas.
Virtual care options provided to patients before and after surgeries and procedures and when appropriate simplifying the experience.
Masking of patients, approved visitors and staff in hospitals, surgery centers and clinics.
Enhanced cleaning and touch-free protocols in hospitals, surgery centers and clinics, including UV-light disinfection and paperless registration.
COVID-19 home monitoring digital care journey enabled through the MyBSWHealth app or website to be offered to those diagnosed with COVID-19, so they can be supported by care teams while quarantined.
ASCENSION PROVIDENCE
Temporary visitor rules have been implemented and visitors are encouraged to contact Ascension Providence before visiting for the latest information at 254-751-4000.
All associates are screened before they come to work using screening tools designed to ensure they are healthy and symptom-free before entering facilities or providing care.
The environmental services teams perform rigorous disinfecting measures at all facilities.
At the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Ascension Providence enacted visitor restrictions to protect patients and staff. Please contact your local facility for information on the specific visitor guidelines.
Staggered appointment times to reduce the number of patients with overlapping wait times.
When you arrive at a hospital, clinic or office, you will notice that waiting areas have fewer people and special instructions are posted for avoiding exposure.Patients who have signs of respiratory illness are asked to call ahead and will be directed to specialty care sites set up specifically for them. These separate sites will decrease the risk of infection at sites of care.