In late January 2020, we began to hear about this novel virus called COVID-19. As it was half a world away, it didn’t gain traction in the United States until late January/early February 2020. When the call went out from federal and state agencies to take action, Freestone Medical kicked into gear.
For the past six weeks, Freestone Medical has been preparing – staff and facilities – to be ready to respond to the COVID-19 virus when it ultimately presented to our community. In conjunction with the advice and council of federal, state and area health authorities and organizations, we have implemented every recommended action that was applicable to our hospital and community. In the past weeks here are the things we have prepared for in the CV-19 battle:
- Limited non-essential visitors in the hospital
- Curtailed elective procedures and services to minimize traffic in our facility
- Limited exposure to those in our community most at risk
- Created sick and well spaces in the ER and Clinic Waiting Rooms
- Controlled entrance to the facility AND implemented health checks on all who entered
- Protected our staff with appropriate PPE while maintaining adequate PPE inventories
- Implemented a respiratory illness clinic separate from our well clinic to further segregate potential exposures
- Established treatment/hospitalization areas to accept suspected COVID-19 patients
Our staff and employees have exemplified bravery and courage during very uncertain times, standing in the gap to provide healthcare to our community even while they were fearful for their own children, families and loved ones. Our school, civic, business and community leaders have taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of our communities during this crisis. Every applicable measure recommended by federal and state authorities has been implemented to interrupt the spread of COVID-19 in our community. The day has finally arrived that will see our community resolve rise up and overcome adversity.
Ventilator use for COVID-19 Patients will be utilized in Freestone County as its first positive test for the Coronavirus has been discovered. We anticipate that all of us in various leadership positions will continue to act in the best interests of our cities, county and communities now that COVID-19 has arrived. For Freestone Medical’s part in this story, we remain focused on the health and safety of the patients currently in our charge, but also the safety and security of our workforce. We are ready to provide both well care and sick care, as we have for the past several weeks. For us, nothing changes to our approach. We will continue to be here for you, our friends and neighbors during this time.
We encourage you to continue to practice social distancing, washing your hands often, covering your coughs and sneezes, eating healthy and exercising appropriately. Our families, neighbors and community will be “Texas Strong”, supporting each other as always during times of crisis. COVID-19 does not stand a chance against our “can do” Texas Spirit. We will get through this – together.
