The COVID-19 virus Triage Tent outside the HRRMC Emergency Department.
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center has announced further regulations as it continues to deal with and prepare for the impact of COVID-19 virus cases.
Allison Gergley, Marketing and Public Relations Director, said on Wednesday additional precautionary measures were put into effect that day, March 18, including curbside delivery of prescriptions at the recently-opened retail pharmacy at the Outpatient Pavilion, instead of picking up prescriptions inside the pharmacy.
“For those who choose to pick up their prescription at the Outpatient Pavilion, a staff member will meet you at the entrance by the pharmacy, ask your needs, and facilitate the prescription delivery,” Gergley said.
The hospital says there will be no interruption in pharmacy services. The only change is the method that patients obtain their prescriptions. Those with questions about their prescription may reach the pharmacy at 719-530-2430, option 0.
In addition, anyone experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath who wants to be medically screened is asked to park at the HRRMC Emergency Department, remain in their car, and call 719-530-2039.
Patients will then be screened over the phone and then Emergency Department staff will determine if a patient needs to be tested in the triage tent that has been set up outside the Emergency Department.
“This screening ensures that visitors without respiratory symptoms are able to enter the buildings and those experiencing respiratory symptoms are helped accordingly,” Gergley stated.
Changes in Other Hospital Services
- The hospital reported the rehabilitation staff are now rescheduling all non-emergent appointments and assessing all other patient appointments on a case-by-case basis.
- The Wellness U gym in the Outpatient Pavilion is closed until further notice. The wellness staff are currently exploring other options such as classes via YouTube.
As Ark Valley Voice previously reported, staff are being posted at the entrances to all HRRMC buildings beginning this week. They will ask anyone who wishes to enter any HRRMC facility—including the clinics—several medical questions based on the most recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This screening ensures that visitors without respiratory symptoms are able to enter the buildings and those experiencing respiratory symptoms are helped accordingly, the release stated.
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, more changes may occur. Please check hrrmc.com for the latest updates or call 719-530-2217.
Privately, some local health workers have expressed concerns over the potential adverse impact on health facilities should the COVID-19 virus cases spike.
They spoke off the record of concerns about the their health and that of their coworkers being placed in jeopardy and more importantly, about the possible overwhelming of local facilities if there is a sudden increase in the number of infected people, requiring hospitalization.
In addition to additional procedural changes at HRRMC and other health providers, Sol Vista Health is reminding residents about some of their unique services that are still being provided. Sol Vista Health Public Information Coordinator Gwen Ferguson said community mental health is also a concern.
“We realize that mental health is being impacted right now as people are afraid, anxious, depressed, or even angry surrounding the impacts the spread of this virus is having,” she said in a press release.
Sol Vista Health says that their service offerings can be provided at a distance.
“Solvista Health Is delivering services by telehealth and telephone options,” said Ferguson. “We ARE providing 24/7 crisis response in the same ways. We want to make sure the community members know we are still here and can help. We especially can offer a list of tips and reminders “to help people take (charge) of their of their mental health.”
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