Triage and Assessment Site to Prepare for Surge in Coronavirus Patients

Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) is taking extra precautions to provide the safest environment possible and protect its patients, staff and visitors due to the escalating coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic.

To prepare for a possible surge in patients seeking assessments for the novel coronavirus, Day Kimball Hospital has established a triage and assessment tent outside the emergency department ambulance bay. Considered an extension of the emergency room, the temperature-controlled tent is designed to assemble triage personnel and medical equipment in an attempt to isolate potential COVID-19 cases.

Individuals coming to the Emergency Department will be greeted by a team member who will ask them a series of questions about their health. Based on the screening results people may be directed to go home to monitor their symptoms in isolation or they may be directed to the triage tent for further evaluation by a healthcare professional.

“This is not set up to be a drive up testing location,” said John Graham, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Quality and Medical Affairs, Day Kimball Healthcare. “The tent has been established specifically for Emergency Department patients who meet the screening criteria to be more thoroughly evaluated. Only patients that require treatment after their screening will be brought into the hospital from the triage tent.”

The Emergency Department at Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam is available around the clock for the evaluation and treatment of individuals of all ages with all types of injuries and illnesses, including those who have concerns or symptoms of coronavirus. DKH recommends that anyone who develops a fever, cough or difficulty breathing should contact their primary care provider.

“I am confident that we are providing high-quality care for the people in our community as we deal with this unprecedented situation,” said Dr. Graham. “We are doing everything we can to make sure our staff and health care providers can continue to be on the front lines to provide care for our patients.”

DKH is following CDC guidelines and screening protocols while maintaining standard infection control best practices. DKH also remains in close communication with state and public health officials to monitor the spread of the virus.

For the latest information, refer to the CDC website, www.cdc.gov, and the CT DPH website, www.ct.gov/coronavirus. Local measures to contain the spread of the virus are available at Day Kimball Healthcare www.daykimball.org/coronavirus or call 2-1-1, the CT State Hotline for information.