The Bellevue Hospital (TBH) announced today, March 12, that it will be setting more restrictions in place at the hospital to minimize the spread of flu-like illnesses.
“With the report of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio and a heightened flu season, we see enough reason to be cautious and to limit access to our facility,” said Michael K. Winthrop, president and CEO. “We do not want our community to panic. We are completing these efforts to protect our patients, healthcare workers and community members and to slow the spread of flu-like illnesses.”
Effective at 2 p.m. Friday, March 13, TBH will only have two entrances accessible-- the main Patient Entrance and the Emergency Department Entrance. There will be signs at the door to guide patients to the proper entrance. The Main Patient Entrance will be labeled Entrance A and will be open Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Visitors and patients utilizing any of TBH's Outpatient Services, Laboratory, Diagnostic Imaging, Surgery and Family Birthing Center may check in at Entrance A during these hours. The Emergency Department entrance will be Entrance B, and will always be open. Anyone with a medical emergency may use Entrance B. In addition, it will be available after hours and during the weekends for all other patients and visitors.
TBH asks community members not to visit the hospital unless necessary for healthcare needs. Visitation to patients should be kept to a minimum. Visitors will be checking in at the Main Patient Entrance and the hospital encourages anyone admitted to the hospital designate one family member as the key person to visit and keep other family members informed.
Effective at 2 p.m. Friday, the TBH Gift Shop and the Specialty Coffee Shop are closed. In addition, the Main Station Café is closed to the public until further notice. Volunteer Services activities also have been suspended until further notice.
Symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), which generally appear two to 14 days after exposure, include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
“If you are sick with these symptoms, you should call your healthcare provider’s office and let them know your symptoms, said Sara Brokaw, vice president of patient care services. “This will help your healthcare provider take care of you and keep other people from getting infected or exposed.”
“We encourage you to stay home to recover, however if you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately.”
Earlier this week, the hospital also reviewed community programs and looked at those events where the key populations susceptible to COVID-19 would attend. Hospital officials have decided to suspend monthly Mature Audience Luncheons, Morning and Evening Health Breaks, Diabetes Support Group and Reiki and Natural Healing meetings until further notice. In addition, it was decided to cancel the Easter Bunny visit on Friday, April 10. For more details on cancellations, visit TBH’s website home page at www.bellevuehospital.com
“As we continue to monitor the trends and spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), TBH knows our patients and communities are increasingly concerned whether and how the virus is spreading in our communities,” Winthrop said. “That’s why The Bellevue Hospital is working closely with our federal, state and local partners to respond to this challenge, update contingency plans and stay informed with the most up-to-date information. We also continue to work very closely with the Huron County and Sandusky County health departments.”