Frequently Asked Questions for Patients

Is the hospital clean and safe?

Our hospital is clean and safe – just like it always has been! One of the core elements of properly managing infectious diseases is the cleanliness of our physical facility. We meet all Joint Commission and OSHA requirements on cleaning and air exchanges in the facility. We continuously monitor and follow the CDC guidance on cleaning of rooms, common areas, etc. within the hospital. This includes use of antiviral disinfectants and HEPA and charcoal air filtration. Our team is trained on the latest recommendations for prevention of all infections and contaminations.

Do you have the supplies and capacity to accommodate my procedure?

Our clinical teams will conduct twice daily “go/no-go” meetings in which they will review crucial supplies such as PPE, medications, blood, space and staffing to ensure that we have enough to comfortably care for those undergoing elective/non-urgent procedures AND accommodate our normal emergency care and potential COVID-19 patients.

We are not booking our schedules to full capacity. Out of an abundance of caution and with the conservation of supplies in mind, we are not starting with a full schedule right away. Should things continue to progress positively, we’ll increase our capacity on a week-by-week basis. This is for your safety and ours.

Do you have enough staff to perform elective/non-urgent procedures?

Our team regularly monitors staffing levels to ensure a safe environment for all patients, providers and employees. In addition, we screen all employees daily for COVID-19 symptoms. We are confident that we have the appropriate staff and providers to resume elective and non-urgent procedures while also accommodating our normal emergency care and potential COVID-19 patients.

Will my experience be the same as in the past?

Your experience in our facility may look a little different than in the past, but this is because we have new processes and procedures in place to further protect your health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What should I expect during my procedure?

Upon arrival at the facility, you will be asked the same standard screening questions and provided with a cloth mask (if you do not already have one). If you have your own mask or bandana to cover your mouth and nose, you can wear that.

We are currently operating under a limited visitation policy.

• Visiting hours are from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

• Visitors must be 16+.

• Visitors should remain in the patient's room while they are in the facility.

  • Inpatients will be allowed one well visitor at a time. At any time a patient visitor may switch with another well visitor.
  • Outpatients (Not limited to but including Lab, Radiology, and Day Surgery) will be limited to one visitor per day. Once a patient is admitted, we will follow the Inpatient policy.
  • Patients in ER, are permitted to have one companion with them at all times. To help keep everyone informed about the patient’s status and planned care, we ask that the patient’s one visitor be the communicator for the rest of the family and friends.

Upon arrival, visitors will be asked screening questions and will have their temperatures tested. If a visitor does not pass the screening criteria, he or she will be asked to leave. Visitors will be required to wear masks at all times and are encouraged to bring them from home. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided.

Visitors will not be permitted for high-risk, isolation, immunocompromised or patients who are under observation or test positive for COVID-19.

You are going to be asked COVID-19 screening questions multiple times by multiple people, up until you are admitted for your procedure. You may get tired of these questions, but we assure you they are for your health and safety, and that of our staff.

You may never see the faces of your care team members under their protective equipment. We do regret this, as the personal connections we have with our patients and community are what keep us going; however, this is an important precaution we are taking to protect you and our clinical staff.

What questions will I be asked during the screening?

The questions are part of our standard COVID-19 screening process and include asking if you have….

• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Or at least two of these symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Whenever you are asked, please answer these screening questions honestly. If your procedure has to be postponed, it will be just that: postponed. It does NOT mean it will be canceled, and we will work with you to reschedule as soon as possible.

How will I prepare for my procedure?

If you are having a surgical procedure, a representative from the hospital will contact you a day or two prior to your procedure. You may be asked to practice “safer at home” behaviors for seven (7) days to minimize potential exposure prior to your procedure. This means going a step further from social distancing – trying only to leave your home for critical needs such as groceries or going to the pharmacy. At the discretion of your surgeon you may be asked to have a Pre-op COVID-19 test within 7 days prior the procedure.

If you are having an imaging procedure, you will be screened and masked, but not tested for COVID-19.

Will I be tested for COVID-19?

If you are having a surgical procedure, you will be tested for COVID-19 prior to your procedure. Your provider will place the order for the test, and the hospital will reach out with instructions for scheduling. If your test happens to be positive, your procedure will be postponed, and you will be given instructions related to your care. If you are having an imaging procedure, you will be screened and masked, but not tested for COVID-19.

Can my family member/spouse/friend/caregiver come with me to the facility?

We are currently operating under a limited visitation policy. At this time, visiting hours are from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Lobby Doors are open from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Inpatients will be allowed one well visitor at a time. At any time a patient visitor may switch with another well visitor. Outpatients (Not limited to but including Lab, Radiology, and Day Surgery) will be limited to one visitor per day. Once a patient is admitted, we will follow the Inpatient policy. Patients in ER, are permitted to have one companion with them at all times. To help keep everyone informed about the patient’s status and planned care, we ask that the patient’s one visitor be the communicator for the rest of the family and friends. Upon arrival, visitors will be asked screening questions and will have their temperatures tested. If a visitor does not pass the screening criteria, he or she will be asked to leave. Visitors will be required to wear masks at all times and are encouraged to bring them from home.

Visitors will not be permitted for high-risk, isolation, immunocompromised or patients who are under observation or test positive for COVID-19.

If I have additional questions about my procedure, who should I contact?

If you have any questions, please call our team at 254-562-3332. Additional information can also be found at ParkviewRegional.com.