Our patients’ safety is foremost in our minds during the coronavirus pandemic and at any time. We want our endoscopy patients to know that our surgical team has thought of everything when it comes to the health and safety of our patients. Here are some things you need to know about your visit to the hospital for endoscopic surgery.
Communicating with Your Surgeon is a Shared Responsibility
Keep in mind that your surgeon will always want to hear what’s on your mind, and no question or concern is “off limits.” Patient questions are always welcome and are now more important than ever during COVID-19. If you are uncertain about anything, don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon.
The Day of Your Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you will enter at the main hospital entrance. Your temperature will be taken and you will be asked a series of questions to determine if you have signs and symptoms of infection. You will also be given a mask that you will be required to wear while at the hospital. After you are screened and masked, the registration staff will show you to a private area, where you will register for your procedure. Once registration is complete, you will be escorted to the Surgery/Endoscopy department where you will be met by a nurse and escorted to your private room. When it is time for your surgery, a nurse will bring you to operating room for your procedure. Once your procedure is complete, you will be taken back to your same private room for recovery. At no time during your stay in the surgical department will you come into contact with other patients.
Healthcare Facility Management
WhidbeyHealth Medical Center follows all federal and local government recommendations for facility management
during each phase of the COVID-19 recovery plan, including:
• Each procedure room is disinfected after every operation
• Endoscopy staff temperature-screening is performed at the start of every shift―anyone with symptoms of an infection is sent home
• All staff are required to wear masks and, as necessary, gowns and gloves
• The surgical department receives a daily report on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies and the number of procedures performed daily is based on PPE supply
The Procedure Room
The procedure room is cleaned with an FDA-approved anti-bacterial, anti-virucidal solution between each operation. Routine cleaning between cases involves cleaning all equipment and furniture, as well as the floor. After any operation on a patient who has tested positive or has symptoms indicative of a COVID-19 infection, the procedure room is “terminally cleaned” after that case. A terminal two-hour cleaning of a procedure room involves not only the routine cleaning described above, but also the lights, walls and ceiling.
If you have any other questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your provider, who will be more than happy to answer them. We want your experience at WhidbeyHealth Medical Center to be completely safe and anxiety free.
WhidbeyHealth Surgical Care (360.678.6799)