Both facilities implement visitor restrictions
In an effort to ensure the safety of all hospital patients, visitors, and employees, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center (CHMC) and Carthage Area Hospital (CAH) have implemented visitor restrictions and are planning collaborative strategies to address any potential COVID-19 outbreaks.
In accordance with the CDC and DOH, both facilities have instituted visitor restrictions. All visitors must be 18 years of age or older and patients should not have more than 2 visitors at a time. It is also encouraged to limit patient visitation if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
CHMC and CAH are enacting screening protocols for all those that enter CHMC’s hospital, clinic, and other facilities.
“We have ensured that we have a protocols and plans in place to reduce the risks of spreading this infection,” David Ferris, Chief Nursing Officer at CHMC states, “CHMC is working in coordination with state and local officials to safeguard our patients, staff, and visitors from COVID-19. We ask those visiting our facilities to be patient with the additional questions asked. They are a necessary part of our screening process.”
The screening questions will help clinicians ensure that those presenting symptoms are treated with the appropriate cautions to halt the spread of the virus.
Starting at 3pm today, Carthage Area Hospital will be limiting access points. All patients, visitors and employees will enter the main facility, 1001 West St., through the main entrance off Hospital Drive. The hospital’s assisted-living facility, Meadowbrook Terrace is also restricting visitors by a case by case basis. Family members and loved ones should contact the administrator, Lyn Smith at 315-519-1246 prior to visiting.
“We’re taking all reasonable precautions to protect our staff, patients, and visitors, which includes limiting onsite traffic, and visitation. We are ensuring all protocols and plans are in place to ensure infection prevention and safety for all. It is our top priority. We continue to follow the recommendations from the CDC and DOH,” said Natalie Burnham, Carthage Area Hospital COO.
As both facilities prepare to meet the needs of our community, both institutions encourage the public to take the necessary precautions to limit the exposure to the virus. Recommendations include:
- Clean hands at the door and at regular intervals
- Create habits and reminders to avoid touching their face and cover coughs and sneezes
- Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, and handrails regularly
- Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting the air conditioning
Households with sick family members should:
- Give sick members their own room if possible, and keep the door closed
- Have only one family member care for them to limit exposure
- Ensure all utensils and surfaces are cleaned regularly
Consider providing additional protections or more intensive care for household members over 65 years old or with underlying conditions. Significant underlying conditions include heart, lung, kidney disease; diabetes; and conditions that suppress the immune system.
- Have healthy people in the household conduct themselves as if they were a significant risk to the person with underlying conditions. For example, wash hands frequently before interacting with the person, such as by feeding or caring for the person
- If possible, provide a protected space for vulnerable household members
Stay home if…
- You are feeling sick
- You have a sick family member in the home
You can help stop COVID-19 by knowing the signs and symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or live in or have recently traveled from an area with the ongoing spread of COVID-19. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
To make an appointment or speak with your CHMC provider please call 315.393.3600 and ask to be directed to the appropriate practice. If your need is more urgent, please call our Convenient Care Clinic at 315.393.1715 to make an appointment.
To make an appointment or speak with your CAH provider please call 315.493.1000 and ask to be directed to the appropriate practice. If your need is more urgent, please visit the Carthage Walk-In Clinic or visit the Emergency Room.
For more information regarding the virus and the most up-to-date information, the Centers for Disease Control is frequently posting to their website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/share-facts.html. The New York State Department of Health is operating a 24-hour hotline at 1-888-364-3065, where you can speak directly to healthcare professionals with your questions about COVID-19. You can also visit CHMC’s COVID-19 information page at https://www.claxtonhepburn.org/covid-19/