May 13, 2020 10:15 a.m.
During National Hospital Week, officials with Mercy Medical Center say, “We’re safe, we’re open, we’re ready to take care of our patients”.
That’s the message of Mercy Chief Executive Officer Kelly Morgan. Morgan said Mercy has taken significant precautions to prevent the spread of infectious disease during the pandemic. He said he wants community members to know its safe to come back and address their health needs.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jason Gray said everyone in the facility is safe, including staff. Gray said, “we are screening everyone, including employees, who come to the hospital”.
Gray said the hospital restarted elective procedures, including surgeries, along with preventative screenings, imaging tests, therapy and other services and is encouraging patients who may have delayed care to contact their provider and get rescheduled.
Gray said, “Across Oregon, people have stayed home and unfortunately for some, their health has declined as a result”. He said “the word elective doesn’t mean it’s not needed; it really means it was just scheduled rather than an emergency”. Gray said Mercy doesn’t want people to stay away from care any longer. He said that includes visits to the emergency department if needed.
Gray said he is also concerned about people putting off other health visits as well, whether it’s a doctor visit, mammogram or colonoscopy. He said detection of cancer at an early stage generally has a much better outcome for patients.
Morgan said patients should be ready for a different experience when they come in, which is for safety. Morgan said from the screening stations to staff wearing protective equipment, “we will protect our patients and staff, first and foremost”.
Morgan admitted that people are not used to seeing masks and plastic shields between patients and hospital staff. He said “behind those masks are smiles”. He said “these are the same people who have always been there, ready to take care of you and your loved ones”. He said “it’s safe to return”.
National Hospital Week runs through May 16th.