Courtesy of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital:
Today, providers from the Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital health centers – in conjunction with providers from Primary Care Associates – are opening a “high-risk” patient care tent behind the Sunset Health Care Center to provide screening and care for patients with fever and respiratory issues who cannot be seen in their regular physician’s office.
COVID-19 testing will also be available, but only for patients at risk who meet strict CDC criteria for testing.
“The tent will allow us to see ‘high risk’ patients in a tightly controlled setting and minimizes potential exposure to health care staff and the general public,” said Linda Stroup, director of HHMH Health Centers. “This also frees up our local physicians to keep their practices open for ‘well patient’ visits.”
If someone is experiencing a fever and respiratory symptoms, they must first contact their primary care provider to receive a referral to schedule an appointment to be evaluated at the tent. Visits are by appointment only, no walk-ins. Community physicians can call the Sunset Health Center Annex at 635-1198 if they have a patient that needs to be evaluated.
The tent will be open Monday–Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with Ray Kusumoto, MHS, PA-C as the provider, who will see adults and children over 5 years of age. Pediatric providers, Lucie Gamboa, MD and Amy Bailey, MSN, CPNP, will see infant to teen patients Monday-Friday from noon – 3 p.m.
Here are some basic protective measures against COVID-19:
· Practice basic hand hygiene, including hand sanitizing and hand washing.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Do not shake hands, hug or kiss when greeting people.
· Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
· Sanitize and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a regular basis.
· Stay home if the following symptoms are present: fever (temperature greater than 100 degrees), chills, cough and shortness of breath, muscle aches, and fatigue.
What to do if you are ill:
Monitor your symptoms
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately.
Emergency warning signs include*:
· Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
· High fever
· Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
· New confusion or inability to arouse
· Bluish lips or face
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
If you are coming to the ER and believe you may have COVID-19 according to the above warning signs, please call our Emergency Department hotline at (831) 636-2640 so we can arrange for a staff member to meet you in the parking lot for triage.
Photo Caption: This is inside the tent on the hospital’s grounds for COVID-19 treatment.
About Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital is a full-service, public agency hospital delivering modern medicine and compassionate care to the growing San Benito County community. HHMH offers hundreds of health services across multiple locations, including top-tier specialists, a modern Emergency Department, and a state-of-the-art Women’s Center. To learn more about Hazel Hawkins Hospital, please visit www.hazelhawkins.com.
