Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) values the importance of collaboration and coordinated action for the identification and care of those patients exhibiting signs of COVID-19. To that end, we continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) interim guidelines and work non-stop, in partnership with local, state and federal government authorities. We are fortunate to be part of a local healthcare community committed to responding to the needs of these patients in the safest manner necessary.
In the event that possible Coronavirus patients need hospitalization after screening, we have identified a portion of our facility to allow us to isolate and safely care for any potential patients without risk of transmission to other parts of the facility. If a patient meets the current CDC criteria, and is exhibiting symptoms consistent with the virus, we will isolate the patient in a private room and take proper respiratory precautions to safely assess and treat them.
We continue to encourage all our patients and the community to practice good respiratory hygiene habits:
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Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – the single most effective way to prevent illness – or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not readily available;
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Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue – then throw the tissue away and wash hands;
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Keeping your hands away from your eyes, mouth, and nose;
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Regularly cleaning your personal living and work spaces;
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Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;
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Staying home if you are sick.
NRMC currently convenes daily, sometimes more often, to evaluate our emergency preparedness plans. The NRMC team — from physicians and nurses, quality and safety experts, to those responsible for ordering supplies and keeping the hospital clean — is working together to ensure we do all that we can to protect and care for our patients and community.
