Weiser hospital is readying for coronavirus

Weiser Memorial Hospital administrators and medical staff are preparing for the possible emergence of coronavirus in the area.
 At a meeting this week with hospital leadership, CEO Steve Hale outlined the  changes being put in place, which include screening visitors and limiting the number of visitors.
 “It is important that we all work together to protect our staff and community, especially those who are vulnerable in our communities,” Hale told staff.  
 “We are working closely with multiple agencies and the Emergency Preparedness Team has taken the steps needed to ensure we are prepared should any case(s) emerge in this area.”
 The hospital has put up an emergency triage tent in the event there is an influx of patients showing signs of the virus.
 The tent will not be utilized until there is a notable increase in patient visits to the emergency department, hospital officials said in a Tuesday news release.
 In the meantime, the hospital has initiated several precautionary measures to minimize the possibility of exposing staff and patients to the virus.
 During the week, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., the entrances to the hospital will remain locked in order to screen visitors before they enter the building.  
 Screeners will be located at each entrance. After hours and weekends, visitors are instructed to only utilize the emergency door entrance, where they will also need to be screened to enter the building. Screenings will be used to establish health status before entering the hospital.
 Other precautions include limits to visitors.  Only one healthy visitor will be allowed per patient at a time and no children under 14 can enter the facility.  
 The hospital Bistro will not be open to the public. If the public would like to place a to go order, meals will be delivered outside the building.
 Hale said that patients should know that the hospital is doing everything it can to to make sure all of their other medical needs can still be safely met in the clinics and the hospital.  
 “There are many flu-like symptoms that present like the coronavirus so our medical providers are evaluating patient symptoms and using their clinical judgment, in consultation with Southwest District Health’s medical experts, on who should get tested or have more advanced medical workups,” Hale said.
 Dr. Evan Lee, emergency department chief of staff, said he recognizes the diagnosis challenges that the virus has created.   
 “I feel that the difficulty with the virus information is closing the education gap around testing. Everyone is focused on testing, which I understand, because they want to know if they have it. They feel like if they come in and get tested, they can make sure they don’t spread it to anyone else.”
 Lee said the problem with that is there are not enough tests available yet to test everyone who wants to be tested.  
 “We are here to take care of you if you need emergency care. However, we are asking that if you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, please call the emergency department before you come in,” Lee said.  
 Lee said everyone is  responsible for reducing their own risk of infection, and if they are infected, for reducing their risk of infecting others.
 Hilary Kile, infection control nurse at Weiser Memorial Hospital, has been in continual conversations with other Idaho hospitals and clinics as well as health organizations such as Southwest District Health and the Centers for Disease Control.  
 “It is important that we all work together in fighting an outbreak and protecting those who are vulnerable in our communities,” Kile said.
 She encourages everyone to pay attention to the basic infection prevention information for preventing the spread of germs.  
 1. Cover your cough.
 2. Wash your hands often.
 3. Avoid contact with people who are sick.
 4)  Stay home if you are sick.
  5)  Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  6)  Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
 If you suspect that you might be sick with COVID-19, call ahead before visiting your doctor or hospital emergency room.