Trios Health COVID-19 Response
March 19, 2020
Dear Patients and Visitors,
As the situation regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to evolve, so does our hospital’s response. In addition to measures we’ve taken including restricting visitors, closing common areas, and adhering diligently to Benton Franklin Health Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, Trios Health is taking more precautionary steps to help ensure the safety of everyone at our facility.
Effective March 19, 2020 at 9pm, we have limited entry to the hospital to our Emergency Entrance only and are screening everyone – employees, providers and patients – who enter the building. The following provides additional detail about these safety measures:
- Hospital Visitors No Longer Permitted: Our facility has implemented a zero-visitor protocol effective immediately. (Some exceptions, such as pediatric and obstetric patients as well as patients receiving end-of-life-care.) Visit registration in our emergency department for more information.
- Limited Entry Points: Until otherwise notified, everyone entering our Trios Southridge facility should enter through Entrance A when visiting one of our physician clinics for an appointment. To enter Trios Hospital, please use the Emergency entrance on the south side of the hospital. The emergency entrance is open 24 hours a day. All other entry points will be closed until further notice.
- Screening Process: All patients, visitors and staff entering the facility will be screened with questions regarding respiratory symptoms and travel history, per CDC recommendations. Patients with symptoms will immediately be provided masks and managed per CDC guidelines. Based on the screening, visitors may also be asked to take their temperature, speak further with someone, or come back at a later date. Screening will occur upon every entry.
We know that these increased precautions may seem concerning. We do not want to cause alarm – but we do want to send a clear message to our community that we are prepared, responding appropriately and are committed to protecting the well-being of our patients, visitors, employees and community.
These increased safety measures do NOT mean that you cannot access the hospital, our clinics or your providers. Please seek medical care as needed. And, if you are concerned you may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, call your provider in advance of going to his or her office.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room.
Trio Health values the trust our community places in us, and we appreciate your understanding as we shift our visitation policies during this time.
For details about our COVID-19 response, please visit TriosHealth.org
Sincerely,
John Solheim, CEO
Trios Health