(Courtesy of St. Mary’s General Hospital) St. Mary’s General Hospital has resumed elective surgery and non-emergency procedures, and to alleviate any concerns that patients may have we have prepared this Q&A1.
Is it now safe to have a test or procedure at St. Mary’s General Hospital?
Yes. St. Mary’s General Hospital continues its focus on patient safety as an award-winning, quality institution. Our teams continue to provide a safe environment, with an enhanced emphasis on infection control. All patients will be required to undergo a pre-procedure screening process to reduce the risk of infection.
Can I get infected from a COVID-19 patient or a staff member at the hospital?
The risk of getting infected is extremely low. All COVID-19 patients are isolated in a separate area of the hospital and you will not come in contact with them during any part of your procedure. We follow strict guidelines to prevent the infection from spreading from areas of the hospital where COVID-19 patients are being treated. No one is allowed to enter the hospital without a mask and a temperature check. Also, using the latest CDC guidelines for testing COVID-19, any staff member who shows a symptom is immediately sent home and their work area is totally disinfected.
How is the hospital cleaned to ensure patient safety?
Our environmental services team uses ultraviolet technology to kill surface spores and disinfects all equipment, reception and waiting areas, restrooms, chairs, door handles, elevator buttons and other hard surfaces regularly throughout the day.
What is the pre-procedure screening process?
To maximize safety, the screening is specifically tailored for each type of procedure. We ask every patient if they have experienced any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough or sore throat
- Shortness of Breath
- Chills, repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- New loss of taste or smell
- Headache, and possibly other symptoms
If your procedure must 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.
Are visitors allowed during my procedure, even on Shabbos?
Yes, but in an abundance of caution, only one visitor may accompany the patient into the department. Two visitors will be allowed to sit in the waiting room. All visitors must pass through a hospital screening station where their temperature will be assessed before entering the hospital. If you are here on Shabbos, we have a complete Shabbos facility including Shabbos door, path/elevator, room and kosher food—everything to comply Shabbos observance. If it is necessary to bring a patient here on Shabbos, we will even park your car!
For additional information please contact the Community Liaison, George Matyjewicz, PhD. For more information, please visit www.smh-nj.com. For the latest updates, photos and videos, please follow and like St. Mary’s General Hospital’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/stmarysgeneral.
1 More detailed Q&A here: https://www.smh-nj.com/For-Patients-Visitors/Patient-Guide/Our-Services-During-COVID-19.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3E0GrDeXUGk8xQxgG3BWDS0OH8ichOqIIkEryd65oQB1tekqIKcIQSmfA
