March 19th Update
We understand news of the COVID-19 pandemic is unsettling. Understandably, many community members are taking extra steps to reduce their chance of catching the virus. However, to stay healthy, you need to make sure you are addressing all of your health needs.
If you have a chronic health condition or need medical attention, the team at Mountain View Hospital wants to reassure you, it is still safe to receive medical care.
Many clinics have established new procedures to keep healthy patients out of waiting rooms and instead go directly into sterilized rooms to wait for their doctor. Some clinics have even established separate entries for patients who are coming in for checkups, follow up appoints or regular testing. This helps limit the chance of exposure to any illness.
We are also taking extra steps to screen patients as they come to the hospital or our facilities. We are checking temperatures to make sure patients do not have fevers and are asking patients if they’ve experienced any symptoms associated with COVID-19, been in close contact with someone diagnosed with the coronavirus or traveled to an area where there is mass spread of the virus in the last 14 days. For scheduled appointments, we are trying our hardest to doing some of the screening over the phone before patients arrive, so we can direct them to a more appropriate facility for treatment if necessary. All of this is an effort to reduce the risk of exposure for our patients who are coming to us for health concerns entirely unrelated to COVID-19.
We do not want any of our patients to feel like they need to put off their healthcare – especially if they are dealing with a chronic health condition. For example, if you are diabetic, dealing with a heart condition, managing a mental illness or have asthma, please speak with your doctor and determine an appropriate care plan during these unprecedented times. You may need treatment now and we have ways to keep you safe while you’re in our care.
Putting off care, even for a few weeks, can have serious consequences down the road. We do not want any of our community members to find themselves in this position. If you have concerns about coming in for treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, please call your primary care provider. They can help answer your questions, tell you exactly the protocols they’ve implemented in their facility to keep you safe and help determine what is best for your health.
