Red Bud Regional Focuses on Safety During Pandemic
It’s been over a month since Red Bud Regional Hospital initiated their first steps in creating a new safe and controlled environment for patients to receive care amongst the COVID-19 pandemic. “One of our first infection control initiatives was to create two patient entrances into the Hospital, separating symptomatic and non-symptomatic patients,” said Shane Watson, CEO at Red Bud Regional Hospital. “We recognize that patients are fearful of catching the disease through shared waiting rooms or from passing a COVID-19 patient in the hallway. That’s why we implemented strict precautions designed to make it safer for patients to receive care, no matter if it is for COVID-19 testing or regular routine testing.”
Red Bud Regional Hospital screens and applies masks to all patients and employees upon entry. To further contain the possibility for exposure, the Express Care walk in clinic was moved from the second floor to the first floor, eliminating traffic into other parts of the Hospital where non-symptomatic patients receive care.
Telemedicine is an additional step that Red Bud Regional Hospital launched to stay connected with patients and to keep them safe during this time. “I’m proud of Red Bud Health Clinic, Progressive Family Care, Family Practice Associates, and St. Louis Cardiovascular for quickly implementing telemedicine for their patients,” says Watson. “We are performing hundreds of telemedicine visits each week, while continuing to see patients in the clinics when face-to-face appointments are more appropriate.”
As COVID-19 continues to be community spread, meaning it can be anywhere, Dr. Julie Kelley, ER Medical Director at Red Bud Regional Hospital, warns, “This is why we are distancing from everyone, not just certain high risk people or people known to have COVID-19. We have to assume everyone has it, with or without symptoms. Good social distancing and paying attention to our own habits and health is all we need to help reduce the spread.”
If you think you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if you are experiencing fever over 100.4, sore throat, new or worsening cough, or shortness of breath, take these steps:
- Isolate yourself as much as possible.
- Document when the symptoms began and who you encountered after that time.
- If you are experiencing mild symptoms, stay at home and contact your doctor’s office. They can provide additional guidance and screening to determine if you require testing.
- If you experience severe symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, you should seek emergency care.
Red Bud Regional Hospital has a drive thru collection process for patients who have an order for COVID-19 testing and have been instructed to receive testing in this manner.
As the days, weeks and months of COVID-19 are unknown, know this: Red Bud Regional Hospital is here. They are engaged and prepared to care for you, no matter the illness. Do not delay any medical care that you might need during this time. We are in this together.