CMC updates preparedness efforts

With the spread of COVID-19 now affecting the Lowcountry, Colleton Medical Center has updated its protocols to ensure its preparedness during spread of COVID-19. While Colleton Medical Center does not have any patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 at this time, the hospital continues to reinforce appropriate infection prevention protocols and guidance from the CDC, stock all necessary supplies and equipment, and work in partnership with DHEC and the CDC.
The staff at the hospital have also conducted the first unannounced drill, in which an actor presented to the ER staff with symptoms of COVID-19, and walked through the treatment of that patient from intake to discharge. The administration was very pleased with the outcome of the drill. Chief Nursing Officer Jamie Kabanuk said, “Our staff was very well-equipped to handle the scenario that they were presented. The team will continue to prepare for surge events related to COVID-19.”
In order to reduce opportunities for person-to-person transmission and minimize risk for patients and guests, Colleton Medical Center will continue to limit visitors and screen everyone that enters the facility. Patients and visitors will be asked a series of questions regarding whether or not they are experiencing fever, cough, shortness of breath; have traveled outside of the United States in the past fourteen days; or have had a known exposure to a confirmed COVID-19 patient.
Visitation at the hospital will now be limited to no more than one visitor over the age of 18 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. The facility’s cafeteria has been closed to the general public at this time as well. However, visitors that are currently with patients will be allowed to visit the cafeteria.

If you are worried, but do not have symptoms, the hospital would urge you to please stay home. Going to a doctor’s office or hospital adds to a higher concentration of people and can further overwhelm medical staff.
Anyone that believes they have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop mild symptoms such as a fever of 100.4 degrees or greater, have a cough, or difficulty breathing should contact their healthcare provider for medical advice.
Please seek immediate emergency care if symptoms such as persistent pain, pressure in the chest, or trouble breathing develop.
To continue to protect yourself and others avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, stay home when you are sick, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, practice good hand hygiene, and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Colleton Medical Center will continue to provide updates to the community as they arise.