Breckenridge Texan

Administrators at Stephens Memorial Hospital have just released their response to the coronavirus situation, including some temporary changes they are making for the safety of the community.

Here is the statement from SMH:

Dear Patients,

In response to the recent concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus we are making
some temporary changes to ensure the safety of our patients, employees and
visitors.

1. Anyone presenting to the Emergency Department will be subject to screening
before entering the facility. A nurse will meet the patient at the door and triage the
patient for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone accompanying the patient will
also be screened.

2. Urgent Care and Outpatient services will continue to be open. Just like the
Emergency Department all patients and visitors will be screened for signs and
symptoms of COVID-19.

3. Hospital visiting hours will be limited to 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a maximum of 2
visitors per room. All visitors will be subject to screening for any signs or symptoms
of illness.

4. Any patients suspected of having COVID-19 will be isolated and tested. Test
results will take between 3 to 4 days to receive.

5. Breckenridge Medical Center will continue to operate as normal with
additional screening questions added when patients call to make an appointment or
present to the clinic.

If you are experiencing mild symptoms of a respiratory type illness please contact
your primary care provider or call the hospital to speak with a healthcare worker to
discuss your options for care. Mild respiratory symptoms can be treated at home. If
you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing then seek medical treatment
immediately.

We realize there is a lot of information being circulated regarding this virus. For the
most up to date and accurate information to protect yourself we recommend visiting
the following sites:

www.cdc.gov
www.dshs.texas.gov