With the downward trend in COVID-19 incidents and the easing of restrictions statewide, it is time to seek the health care services that you may have postponed. Hackensack Meridian Health facilities are prepared and enforcing strict sanitizing protocols to ensure the safety of our patients, physicians and team members.
Emergencies
“Do not resist going to the emergency room due to fear of being exposed to COVID-19. There are certain conditions that need immediate attention and cannot wait,” advises Frank Citara, MBA, chief hospital executive, Hackensack Meridian Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel. “This is especially true in people showing signs of heart attack and stroke.”
If experiencing any warning signs of a stroke or heart attack, call 911 immediately.
Warning signs of a stroke include balance issues, facial drooping, vision problems, arm weakness and speech difficulty.
Warning signs of a heart attack include chest discomfort such as pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain; discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach; shortness of breath; or cold sweats, nausea or light headedness.
Surgery and Procedures at Hospitals
If you postponed an elective surgery or procedure due to the coronavirus, now is the time to get care. If you were due for an important screening or diagnostic test – such as a mammogram, colonoscopy, EKG, CT scan or lung cancer screening – get it scheduled now. Screenings check for signs of disease before you have any symptoms. The earlier your doctor finds a problem, the easier it is to treat.
What to Expect During a Visit
Safety protocols are in place to ensure the health and well-being of patients and staff in physician practices, as well as throughout all Hackensack Meridian Health facilities:
- Temperatures are taken daily of team members, physicians, patients and approved visitors prior to entering facilities.
- All patients, employees and visitors are required to wear a face mask or face covering in hospitals and physician practices.
- Waiting rooms are marked with signage indicating appropriate spacing between visitors. When possible, patients can wait in their cars until their appointment time.
- Appointment times are spread out to reduce the number of patients waiting. Expanded hours and telemedicine visits help to prevent crowds and allow for flexible scheduling.
- Rigorous cleaning and disinfecting of patient areas occurs multiple times each day, concentrating on frequently touched surfaces, equipment and exam rooms.
- Patients are encouraged to access their information via online applications, such as MyChart, which also offer easy, secure messaging direct to providers.
To learn more about COVID-19 and the latest precautions, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/GetCareNow
