Doctors’ Memorial is further restricting visitors

Posted on April 1, 2020

Doctors’ Memorial Hospital (DMH) has decided to further restrict visitors, although the local facility has not yet received a positive test result for COVID-19 (coronavirus).

DMH officials say they have been and continue to modify daily operations based on government and health department recommendations.

“We began conducting COVID-19 testing earlier in March based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and physician recommendations,” stated DMH Chief Nursing Officer Ashely Beigle. “As of March 27, we have completed 31 tests from all DMH facilities.”

According to Beigle, there are some test results that are still pending, but all other tests have resulted in negative results.

While she did not specify how many tests had come back negative and how many were still pending, Beigle did say the “numbers are changing daily.”

“Through Quest labs, we are able to get results within four days,” Beigle said. “We also have a plan worked out with our area partners — such as Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and the local health department — in the event a case hits our area.”

“Thankfully, it seems many people are listening to the government-issued warnings and staying home, as we have seen a decrease in patients needing emergency and hospitalized care. We are also heeding government orders to stop elective surgeries,” Beigle said.

Upon arrival at the local facility, DMH is screening all patients and employees for fever, symptoms and in-person contacts, Beigle stated.

“As of 12 p.m. on March 31, we will be suspending all visitation to the hospital for those who are visiting the ER or admitted patients. One parent will be allowed at a time with a minor, and one family member at a time with a patient who is nearing end of life,” she added. “We are thankful for our staff, as they have been working hard to care for the community during these uncharted times. We also want to thank our community for listening to the authorities and staying home and social distancing as much as possible. We know this is a hard time for all of us, but we can make it through this together.”

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