Update on Our Members: Hospitals

We have always known we have amazing hospitals and healthcare professionals here in Osceola County and Central Florida, but the past few weeks we have really seen them shine.  We have spoken with our local hospitals and here are the things they want you to know.

AdventHealth
Phone Line
In an effort to equip the public with the facts to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, AdventHealth is launching a free phone service for Floridians who have questions about the virus and will provide an opportunity to speak with a nurse as appropriate. 

By Phone:  877-VIRUSHQ (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Additional info:  https://www.adventhealth.com/business/adventhealth-orlando-media-resources/news/adventhealth-launches-coronavirus-information

Visitor Policy
Effective Monday, March 23, no visitors for socialization purposes will be allowed inside AdventHealth hospitals in Central Florida. They encourage patients and their loved ones to remain closely connected through virtual tools, including Skype, FaceTime and the telephone.

Visitation will be continued for special circumstances, such as if the visitor is the power-of-attorney or medical decision-maker. Visitation will also be permitted in end-of-life situations. Other exceptions and additional guidelines include:

• Patients under the age of 18 may be accompanied by one adult visitor (parent, legally authorized person or caregiver). No additional visitors or siblings allowed.
• Obstetric patients can have one adult visitor.
• Exceptions will be made for extenuating circumstances such as imminent end-of-life or unique patient needs for support.
• In all circumstances, visitors who are sick will not be permitted to enter the hospital, unless they are seeking personal medical care.

Elective Procedures & Surgeries
As they anticipate the increased need for hospital beds and resources, and advocate for patient and team member safety, AdventHealth will limit the surgical care of patients to those whose needs are imminently life threatening, with malignancy that could progress, or with active symptoms that require urgent care.
As a result, by Monday, March 23, AdventHealth will:

• Postpone all non-time sensitive inpatient surgeries.
• Postpone all non-time sensitive outpatient surgeries.
• Postpone all non-time sensitive outpatient procedures in diagnostic centers.

They have a dedicated website at CoronavirusSignsAndSymptoms.com that is continually updated.

Orlando Health
The Orlando Health COVID-19 page can help you stay informed about this evolving situation. https://www.orlandohealth.com/covid-19

Orlando Health has also launched a hotline for patients and the community to obtain information about COVID-19. By calling (877) 321COVID  (877-321-2684), consumers can get accurate information about COVID-19 from trained Orlando Health representatives. The Orlando Health COVID-19 Hotline will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as the resource is needed.

Osceola Regional Medical Center
Osceola Regional Medical Center has enhanced their safety precautions with limited entry ways and is conducting visitor screening. As of Saturday, March 21, they have implemented additional visitor restrictions to further ensure the safety of those they care for. At this time, visitors are not permitted into the hospital and this includes external campuses such as the Hunter’s Creek ER and Millenia ER. Limiting visitors helps reduce the risk of infection, and helps us protect patients and staff.

Exceptions will be made for the following circumstances:
• Patients arriving early for scheduled surgery or other procedures may enter the west Main Entrance beginning at 5:00 am
• Behavioral Health – No Visitors, except by appointment only
• Pediatrics – 1 Adult Parent or Caregiver
• NICU – 1 Adult Parent or Caregiver
• Laboring Moms – 1 Visitor over 18 years of age

The hospital will deliver items such as phones, tablets, chargers, etc. to patients if a loved one leaves it at the main entrance. Food may not be delivered to patients from outside the facility. Food service will continue to be offered inside the hospital. Osceola Regional encourages loved ones to use technology such as FaceTime and other apps to communicate with patients in their care.

Poinciana Medical Center
Poinciana Medical Center has implemented enhanced safety precautions including limited entry ways and visitor screenings. They have also now implemented additional, temporary visitor restriction guidelines. Effective Friday, March 20, 2020 at 8:00 pm, visitors are not permitted into the hospital. Exceptions will be made for the following circumstances with one visitor per patient:

• Dedicated adult caregiver for surgery &/or testing
• Dedicated adult caregiver for emergency room patients
• Patients who utilize a legal guardian

Further exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis, including end-of-life patients.

St. Cloud Regional Medical Center
St. Cloud Regional Medical Center is taking proactive steps to prepare for the protection of patients, our caregivers and the community. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is equipment designed to protect workers from hazards,  has become a nationwide shortage issue.

They are looking for donations of PPE from sources that may have them, but may be operating on reduced hours or have even temporarily closed their doors.

Here is a list of high-demand PPE supplies:  

Isolation Gowns
Goggles
Face Shields / Eye Shields w/ frames
Ear Loop Masks
Surgical Tie back masks
Masks with face shield
N95 Small
N95 Regular
Shoe covers
Bouffant caps

If you are able to provide any of these items to us, please contact Chelsea Henkle, Materials Management Director, directly at 317-796-4520.