Mountain Health Network Assures Public of Safety

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Mountain Health Network (MHN) and its hospitals, Cabell Huntington Hospital (CHH) and St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC), want to assure the public it’s safe to seek treatment at its hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We want the community to know that Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary’s Medical Center, as well as St. Mary’s ER in Ironton, are open and safe for patients,” said Hoyt Burdick, MD, chief clinical officer, MHN. “No matter which site you choose, you will find experienced physicians and dedicated staff whose primary focus is to meet your needs and assure your safety.”

There are designated areas within each facility for screening, early detection and appropriate isolation of patients presenting with symptoms related to COVID-19. Staff members are also following CDC guidelines for infection prevention for all patients including handwashing, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and rigorous environmental cleaning.

The “West Virginia Stay at Home” order was not meant to discourage or delay the evaluation or care for persons with symptoms that could be due to serious medical or surgical conditions. The MHN Transport Center has strong connections with local EMS providers and 911 responders to quickly provide the care that you need.

“Patients who do not have COVID-19 or a COVID-related issue will continue to receive excellent care in areas that are separated from those dedicated to COVID-19 patients,” Burdick said. “Our environmental services teams are working around the clock to keep all areas of the hospitals disinfected.”

Also, the hospitals are continuing their no visitor policy to minimize the number of people in the hospitals. As such, family members are not permitted to accompany patients unless absolutely necessary. If an essential caregiver is needed for assistance, only one person may accompany a patient and the caregiver may be asked to wait in their vehicle during treatment.

One essential caregiver is permitted in pediatrics, labor and delivery, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and the Neonatal Therapeutic Unit (NTU) for the duration of the patient’s stay.

“At Mountain Health Network, we are here to provide advanced medicine and compassionate care, whether it’s for your everyday healthcare needs or in response to a novel coronavirus.” Burdick said. “We are here and ready to safely serve all the health needs of our community.”