At Monmouth Medical Center we know that you've taken every precaution to keep
yourself safe and so have we. We've gone beyond the recommendations of the CDC to
implement best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As a high reliability
organization we've established a culture of safety that led to achieving 11
consecutive Leapfrog A safety grades. We have also achieved Magnet designation
for nursing excellence with special recognition for outstanding performance
in preventing hospital-acquired infections. To ensure your safety we have
implemented several changes you will experience when you arrive. Everyone in
the facility will be wearing masks and practicing safe physical distancing. Like
our staff your temperature will be taken and you will be screened for symptoms of
COVID-19. You will also be reminded throughout
your visit to frequently wash your hands and use hand sanitizer. You will observe
our staff diligently cleaning all clinical and common areas with antiviral
disinfectants approved for COVID-19. Patient care rooms are only turned over
after cleaning to operating room sterile environment standards. We are spacing all our
appointment times for outpatient services, however, if you need to briefly
wait in the waiting room you will note we have taken every precaution to ensure
safe physical distancing.
What we're doing is aggressively sorting patients
up front in the emergency department. So what you're going to see is really a
singular entrance in coming to the emergency department. The goal will be to
identify if you have a time-sensitive condition as for stroke or as for acute
myocardial infarction or a heart attack or if you have something that is going
to place you in a person under investigation where we would be
concerned that you may have a COVID infection. Your experience coming to the
emergency department should not be delayed because of a concern of COVID.
As this pandemic develops our visitor policy has also changed. Its best prior
to coming to the hospital that you review what that policy may be and that
is again to protect the patient the staff and other folks within the facility.
The good news has been that children really are not
getting very sick from the virus, however some children are not getting the health
care that they need, and what we're happy to tell you is we are fully ready to
take care of your child. Our pediatric unit has been cleaned completely. We've
gotten it ready for all of our children. Most children will be treated in a
single room all by themselves. Our pediatric nurses are the best - they
understand children and they're here to work with you and your children.
As chair of surgery I am particularly focused on bringing back elective surgery in these
post COVID times in a safe manner. We are prioritizing medically necessary and
elective procedures based on clinical criteria and guidance of your physician.
We have instituted extra precautions in our operating and recovery rooms in
addition to testing all patients for COVID-19 prior surgery. Our surgeons and
other staff involved in the patient's care are also tested prior to the
procedure. Monmouth Medical Center implements the latest medical advances
in surgery and post surgical care to provide our patients with a safe fast
recovery and shortest possible hospital stay. As always we utilize a robust
patient checklist to ensure patient safety.
What has not changed is our
staff's commitment to provide you the highest quality and safest care. Most
importantly you can expect the same kindness and compassion that you've
always received from our amazing team. I want to thank the amazing staff and
physicians at Monmouth Medical Center for their outstanding work during the COVID-19
pandemic. Please continue to take great care of yourselves and your
families. Welcome back and let's continue to stay healthy together.