BROOKSVILLE, Florida – The thought of having surgery for a nagging injury or lingering pain can make some patients feel uneasy. But, as many experts have said over the last few months, it is extremely important not to neglect medical needs during the pandemic.
Patients can feel confident seeking the medical care they need at Bayfront Health Brooksville and Spring Hill. Numerous steps have been put in place to keep patients safe during their visits, including:
- Self-screening for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms upon entry.
- Social distancing to keep patients and employees safe.
- Facemasks are worn by everyone inside the hospital – patients, employees and physicians.
- Caregivers are using appropriate personal protective equipment and washing hands before and after caring for every patient.
- Cleaning protocols have been enhanced with extra measures and increased frequency, including disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and all patient care areas.
- Furniture in waiting areas arranged to support social distancing.
“Many people spend more time and effort taking care of their cars and homes than themselves,” said George Tsai, M.D., General Surgeon at Bayfront Health Medical Group. “You wouldn’t ignore a roof leak until the roof collapsed, so please don’t wait until your illness is so serious that you need an ambulance to take you to the hospital. Unlike other assets, most of your body parts are irreplaceable. Take care of your body so you are able to enjoy life.”
Pre-surgery COVID-19 testing is required for patients undergoing procedures involving general anesthesia or aerosolizing procedures. Patients are asked to self-quarantine after receiving the test and before arriving at the hospital. Care for surgery patients is delivered in a non-COVID care zone in which all patients have tested negative for COVID.
“If surgery is delayed, it can cause additional complications making what could have been an easy recovery, more difficult,” said Kenley Davis, M.D., General Surgeon at Bayfront Health Medical Group. “Seek safe and timely care so you can get back to doing the things that you like to do.”
Visitors will be asked to self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms and are welcome one at a time for outpatient surgeries, barring unusual circumstances and at the discretion of the patient’s physician and nurse. Patients admitted to the hospital can have two visitors at a time. Anyone visiting will be required to wear a face mask while they are in the hospital.
To schedule an appointment with a surgeon, call 352-544-6145. For more information about the hospital’s safety plan, click here BayfrontBrooksville.com/covid-19 BayfrontSpringHill.com/covid-19
