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Effective immediately, St. Luke’s Hospital is expanding existing flu visitor restrictions already in place to help control the spread of respiratory illnesses such as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In light of Governor Cooper’s declaration of a state of emergency in North Carolina due to the virus, St. Luke’s Hospital is taking additional measures to protect the health of our patients, their loved ones and our medical staff.

Only immediate family members over 18 who do not have respiratory or flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath will be permitted to visit patients. Additionally, visitation of potential COVID-19 patients will be further restricted. For these patients, visitors are asked to use alternative methods for interactions such as video-call applications on cell phones or tablets instead of visiting in-person. 

If visitation must occur, hospital administration will utilize CDC guidelines to consider approval of in-person visits. Nursing staff and the infection prevention team will work with families who have special circumstances, such as a critically ill or injured family member, on a case-by-case basis.

Outpatient and approved visitors are asked to use the hospital’s main entrance only, Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The screening process at the main entrance will ensure a designated space for well patients to register. As always, if you have a medical emergency, please go directly to St. Luke’s Hospital’s Emergency Room entrance at the rear of the hospital.

“Should you develop symptoms that include fever, cough or shortness of breath, seek medical advice by calling your healthcare provider’s office first,” said Infection Preventionist Lori Rothell. “Tell them about any recent travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and please delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.”

The highly skilled team at St. Luke’s Hospital is trained to safely care for potential Coronavirus patients while taking precautions to avoid exposures to staff and other patients. Due to HIPAA regulations, the hospital is not at liberty to provide names and any personal information about potential patients. They are following all CDC Coronavirus safety and healthcare protocols and will place updates on their website at SaintLukesHospital.com, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. 

Submitted by Becky Rickenbaker