Elective surgeries resumed at Grays Harbor Community Hospital and Harbor Medical Group Monday, with COVID-19-related requirements attached.
“If anyone has been delaying their care, we invite you to contact your provider to schedule an appointment by calling 866-537-2778,” read a statement from hospital spokesman Chris Majors.
There are things people need to know when scheduling an elective procedure. Majors said, “In addition to the typical patient responsibilities prior to surgery we are asking you to bring your own face covering/mask,” and provide the following list of requirements.
• On the day of surgery, you will need to arrive at the front entrance of the hospital. Please avoid entering through other entrances.
• A screener will greet you, take your temperature, and ask you questions about Covid-19 symptoms, including: fever greater than 100.4, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, or new onset of nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. If you exhibit or attest to any of these symptoms, your surgery may be canceled.
• You will be asked to have a face covering when entering the hospital. If you do not have one, the screener will provide you one and direct you to registration.
• After you are registered, someone will accompany you to the day surgery area where you will sign in on a card located at the check in desk outside of day surgery.
Your provider’s office will go over these and all other procedures prior to your surgery. They will also be available at www.ghcares.org/covid as soon as the hospital’s new website launches. You will also be asked to sign a “consent to treat during COVID-19 pandemic.” This document also notifies you that Grays Harbor Community Hospital and Harbor Medical Group are taking these measures to protect patients and staff from COVID-19:
• Carefully choosing patients for elective care
• Social distancing when possible
• Screening staff and patients ahead of time
• Using Personal Protective Equipment
• Infection control cleaning based on state and federal recommendations
Visitor rules
The hospital is continuing to restrict visitors unless the patient meets the criteria for a support person. At the time of your pre op phone call, this will be discussed with you. Prior to discharge from the hospital, your surgeon will call your caregiver or family and provide an update on your surgery. Written and verbal instructions regarding care of yourself at home will be provided to you. A day surgery nurse will call for your ride and wheel you down to the front entrance via wheelchair once discharged. There you will be released to your appointed caregiver.
