Memorial Hospital Screening Visitors

Sheridan Memorial Hospital is now screening hospital visitors.

Lacey Johnson, who’s the director of nursing, said screening is being done at both entrances to ensure that people who are sick aren’t visiting patients.

For those who are concerned they may have the COVID-19 virus, the hospital has a triage set up at the ER/urgent care entrance. Johnson said the triage is staffed with a nurse and a provider, and those who come in will be asked specific questions including whether they have a cough and a fever.

She said those who do have a cough and fever will be triaged in a waiting room separate from individuals who come in for other reasons.

Johnson said the questions asked of these individuals have been provided by the Center for Disease Control, and those whose answers put them at risk for COVID-19 will be tested. Tests are sent to the Wyoming Department of Health, and Johnson said the results will come back in about 72 hours.

She said if the patient who’s been tested is medically stable and doesn’t require oxygen or special treatment, the person will be sent home and told to stay in isolation for at least 14 days, or until test results in the meantime show the person doesn’t have the COVID virus.

She said if the patient is sick enough to call for hospital admission, that person will be admitted into a special isolation room for treatment. Johnson said the isolation room prevents the patient’s germs from getting into the air of the hospital.

People who believe they might have symptoms of COVID-19 can call the hospital at 672-1004.