Mid-Columbia Medical Center leadership has been meeting on a weekly basis
to prepare for possible COVID-19 patients presenting at our hospital.
Our nurses and physicians have been kept up to date on screening and identification
as well as safety protocols.
On March 1, a patient arrived at MCMC Emergency Department with coronavirus-like
symptoms. Out of an abundance of caution, the patient was promptly placed
in an isolation unit at MCMC and the suspected case was reported to North
Central Public Health and the Oregon Health Authority. Staff members who
came in contact with the patient were asked to self-quarantine under the
guidance of our local public health department.
On March 2, we received the patient’s lab results from the Oregon
State Lab which confirmed that the patient tested negative for the coronavirus.
The patient and family have been informed of this, as has the staff with
whom the patient came in contact. MCMC will not be providing additional
information about this patient due to patient confidentiality.
We will continue working closely with NCPHD and the OHA, and following
all recommended screening guidelines. We want our community to know that
we have a dedicated team of healthcare professionals who are trained to
handle patients with infectious diseases, and we have a plan in place
to respond quickly to any eventuality. Our number one priority remains
the safety of our patients and our community.
For more information visit
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html