March 12, 2020 4:00 pm
CMC Updates hospital visitation policy
Effective at 7 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2020, Conway Medical Center (CMC) will restrict hospital visitation to one visitor per patient, and all visitors must be over the age of 12. This includes patients in the Emergency Department and The Birthplace. The patient’s healthcare team will work with families in special circumstances, such as a critically ill or injured patient, on a case-by-case basis. This is an effort to prevent the spread of respiratory illness, including influenza and coronavirus COVID-19. CMC has utilized visitor restrictions during past flu seasons. CMC is taking this step to protect the health of our patients, their loved ones, and our staff.
If the situation warrants, Conway Medical Center may take additional steps, including further visitor restrictions to help control the spread of COVID-19. CMC recognizes that the healing process can be positively influenced through interaction with friends and family, and strongly encourages patients and their loved ones to use technology, such as phone calls and video chats, to keep in touch.
CMC continues to work closely with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Duke Infection Control Outreach Network during this emerging and evolving situation.
March 5, 2020 3:45 pm
We are screening all patients, including those who are seen in our provider offices, with both intake forms and at our entrances. That screening asks about recent travel history anywhere outside the U.S. and/or close contact with a person known to have novel coronavirus/COVID-19.
We have placed signage at all points of entry to instruct individuals with respiratory infections to wear a mask, cover their cough, and practice hand hygiene.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please do not visit patients at Conway Medical Center. If you are concerned about coronavirus due to your recent travel history or exposure, please enter the hospital through the Emergency Department entrance or if you are to be seen at a provider office, please contact that office before your visit so the facility or clinic will have proper procedures in place and ready. If it is a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Facility-wide education for all CMC staff on coronavirus/COVID-19 procedures and best practices is underway.
We have educated staff on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) “sparing”, which includes isolation gowns and coveralls, as well as face masks, both surgical and isolation, and surgical drapes and gowns. Sparing means to try and avoid waste and minimize usage in case of a reduction in availability or delayed shipments on these supplies. We are evaluating all supplies and placing orders to ensure protection for healthcare workers and patients.
If you have questions about coronavirus/COVID-19, the SC DHEC Care Line is an excellent source of information and assistance. You can reach them at 1-855-472-3432.