Cartersville Medical Center committed to proactively preventing the spread of respiratory infections to protect patients, visitors and staff
Proactive screening procedures implemented at all hospital entrances to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19
Cartersville, GA; March 6, 2020 – Cartersville Medical Center is continuing to follow CDC guidelines to better protect our patients, staff and visitors. Over the past several weeks, hospital leaders have been taking proactive steps in preparation for the potential spread of COVID-19 including regular communications with local and state public health officials, monitoring and conserving the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and reinforcing effective environmental cleaning policies to support infection control.
In addition to preparedness processes already in place, Cartersville Medical Center will be implementing new screening protocols at all hospital entrances as a proactive measure to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
“The safety of our patients, visitors and staff is top priority,” said Chris Mosley, CEO. “This new protocol is in response to evidence-based CDC guidelines to help prevent further spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. We feel these measures are appropriate to keep our patients, visitors and community safe.”
Patients and visitors will be directed to use either the Emergency Room entrance or the outpatient entrance of the hospital where they will be screened for signs of illness before being admitted to patient care areas. Screening personnel will ask questions about recent travel, fever, and any respiratory symptoms. If a patient has symptoms of illness, they will be asked to wear a “cover your cough” mask and then admitted to the patient care area for further assistance.
Cartersville Medical Center will also continue our visitation policy that is used during respiratory illness season. If a visitor has any respiratory symptoms or a fever, we ask that they postpone their visit.
Cartersville Medical Center encourages patients to call our Ask-A-Nurse line at (770) 510-7270 with health questions and maintain good hygiene practices like frequent hand washing and maintaining a six-foot-rule around others.