Whether you call it WhidbeyHealth or still think of it as Whidbey General, our hospital sits in the heart of Coupeville.
As health professionals deal with the spread of the novel coronavirus, new rules have been put in place to govern visitors.
The latest update, released early Sunday afternoon:
Beginning Monday, March 16th at 8:00 AM, WhidbeyHealth will implement new limitations on visitors to the Medical Center to protect patients and staff from Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
Coronavirus is highly contagious, thought to spread from one person to another.
Droplets from coughs and sneezes can transmit Coronavirus to people close by.
A person can also become infected by touching an object or surface that has droplets on it (such as a door handle), then touching his or her face before washing hands.
This is why ‘social distancing’ is so important and why we are implementing restrictions to visitors at the WhidbeyHealth Medical Center.
The following changes are effective Monday, March 16th.
– All patients and visitors entering the Medical Center must enter by the main entrance and be screened by our staff, including a brief interview and temperature check.
– Visitors not seeking treatment who are exhibiting symptoms (fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath) will be asked to leave and follow up with their doctor.
– Visitors accompanying patients to the Emergency Department, surgery or the MAC clinic will be asked to wait in their car while we care for the patient.
– Patients who are exhibiting symptoms (fever, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath) must put on a mask upon entering the Medical Center.
Exceptions include:
– Moms in labor may have one designated support person who must remain at the Medical Center for the duration of their stay.
– Minor children being cared for may have one designated parent who must remain at the Medical Center for the duration of the child’s stay.
– Please note that any supporting visitors who develop symptoms will be asked to leave the Medical Center.
What you can do:
– If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911
– If you are experiencing mild symptoms, contact your doctor for medical advice. Many patients are able to isolate at home for the duration of their illness, as they would with the flu.
– If you are not ill, or experiencing mild symptoms, please do not come to the Emergency Department to be tested. This can increase your risk of infection from coronavirus or other illnesses.
– Instead, call the WhidbeyHealth Coronavirus Hotline at 360-240-4055 for screening and to be registered for drive-through sampling. The Hotline will be open from 8:00AM to 4:00PM Monday through Thursday and 8:00AM to 2:00PM on Fridays.
– If you need assistance with your bill or wish to speak with someone from the Patient Financial Services team, please make an appointment by calling 360-678-7656, extension 4097.
– WhidbeyHealth’s Westwind Café will be closed to the public until further notice. We regret the inconvenience.
Things you should know about testing:
– Analysis of samples is done offsite by specially authorized laboratories. Our staff collects samples which are sent to an offsite laboratory for evaluation, and like most hospitals, we do not conduct the actual diagnostic test.
– Test result times will vary. Nationwide, labs are experiencing heavy demand. WhidbeyHealth is not able to control the amount of time it takes for laboratories to process test results. We have recently seen results as quickly as three days, but many have been longer.
Protect yourself:
– Practice ‘social distancing.’ The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
– Clean your hands frequently with soap and water, scrubbing for 20 seconds.
– If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay informed:
– Island County Public Health — https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Health/Pages/COVID-19.aspx
– Washington State Department of Health — https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus
– Centers for Disease control — https://www.cdc.gov/
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