Coronavirus Update:What patients and families need to know
Protecting Your Family's Health
Reign's First In-Person Visit During COVID-19
Follow Ebony, the mother of 2-year-old patient Reign, as she takes her daughter on an in-person visit to see her speech-language pathologist during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As regulations allow us to bring more patients and families back for necessary care and surgical procedures, we know there are concerns about safety. Here’s how we are protecting patients, families and staff:
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- We screen patients, families and visitors with a temperature check and brief health assessment upon arrival.
- Only those who meet the health screening requirements are allowed to enter our facilities. Patients presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 will be isolated upon entry.
- There are special processes in place for patients who are being admitted for inpatient or surgical care or those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Employees complete a self-screening process before coming to work. Employees who experience symptoms must quarantine at home and test negative before returning to work.
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- Yes, everyone must wear a face mask at all times. For guidance on what masks to wear, we recommend following the CDC guidelines.
- If you don't have a mask, one will be provided for you at check-in.
- Wearing a mask protects you and others.
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- Limiting the number of people in reception areas.
- Limiting caregivers to one family member for the safety of all families and staff.
- Staggering appointment times to space out visitors.
- Reducing time in waiting areas with bedside registration in surgical areas.
- Observing appropriate distancing when possible with staff interactions between you and your family.
Please note, social distancing is a term sued to describe the physical distance kept between people when having social interactions in public places.
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- All patients are tested for COVID-19 upon hospital admission using rapid testing.
- Patients with COVID-19 are cared for in specially-equipped rooms.
- All surgical patients receive pre-testing and point-of-care testing before surgery.
- We have all the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary.
- We will only care for patients if we have appropriate equipment.
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- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered cleaning materials are used frequently throughout the day on all surfaces in exam rooms, waiting areas, labs and office spaces.
- High-touch surfaces like door handles, exam chairs, exam tables and restrooms are given special attention.
- We have reconfigured our waiting areas for social distancing and have removed toys and other tough-to-clean items.
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- Please wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand gel frequently.
- Wear your mask.
- If you are sick, please stay home. If this interferes with your child’s health needs, please call your Children’s National doctor, nurse or scheduler.
Ensuring the Safety of Our Patients and Their Families During Visits
We understand that many families are avoiding routine and emergency visits because of the possibility of being exposed to COVID-19. Listen as News 4’s Doreen Gentzler shows the extra precautions we are taking to make sure your family is safe when you visit.
Watch the video