April 28, 2020 - Dear Mariposa County Residents,
These are unprecedented times. With the uncertainties around the coronavirus (COVID-19), I want to provide you an update on ways John C. Fremont Hospital can help you as we fight this virus.
News of the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation changes daily. The best way to stay informed is to check the Mariposa County Public Health website (http://www.mariposacounty.org/1592/COVID-19-Information). According to Dr. Eric Sergienko, County Health Officer, we should anticipate moving through four phases of the coronavirus pandemic:
Containment – When a case presents itself locally, the plan is to isolate the individual and track down and quarantine any of the contacts that person may have had. Governor Newsom has ordered all 40 million Californians to stay home as we work to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Mitigation – Large events, bars, national parks (eg., Yosemite), sporting events, gyms, movie theaters, and restaurants (dine in, not take-out) are closed, and residents continue to self-isolate at home.
Surge – This is when John C. Fremont Hospital and other Mariposa County healthcare providers gear up to care for serious cases, including those where hospital beds with ventilators will be needed. We are working with the County Health Department to secure the necessary supplies and equipment now in anticipation of this phase.
Recovery – This occurs once the number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases dissipates. We look forward to this phase.
Thank you for taking social distancing seriously, and staying home when you are sick. If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have coronavirus (COVID-19) or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), please contact your doctor, clinic, or John C. Fremont Hospital, and speak with a healthcare provider to see if they advise that you be tested. Not everyone will need a test. They will ask you a series of health screening questions to determine whether you should be tested. If you are directed to visit the healthcare facility for a test, be sure to call ahead so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
I have included additional information below about protocols we are following if you need to visit our facilities. Remember our clinics are open and our hospital and ER is here to provide 24-hour care. Please contact me at matthew.matthiessen@jcf-hospital.com or by phone at 209-966-3631 ext. 5101 if you have any concerns or questions.
Sincerely,
Matthew Matthiessen
Matthew Matthiessen
Chief Executive Officer
John C. Fremont Healthcare District Protocols
Please realize that the protocols below are for both your safety and that of other patients, residents, and staff.
Telemed Service – Via Phone and Video
John C. Fremont Hospital is now offering Telemed (or “Telemedicine,” also referred to as “telehealth” or “e-health”) which allows health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients in remote locations by phone and video. To find out if a patient meets the criteria and to make an appointment, please call John C. Fremont Hospital at 209-966-3631, press Option 2 for appointments, then option 1 for the primary clinic or option 2 for the speciality clinic.
John C. Fremont Clinic
John C. Fremont clinic is rescheduling all Annual exams, Well Child visits, Primary care visits, and Specialty care visits until the month of May. All patients who have a previously scheduled visit to the clinic will receive a phone call to reschedule.
John C. Fremont Hospital
When visiting John C. Fremont Hospital be prepared for the process to take a few extra minutes. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes early if you are arriving for an appointment.
1. When arriving at John C. Fremont Hospital, you will be questioned about symptoms while in the driveway.
a. If you have a life-threatening condition, you will be immediately directed to the Emergency Department.
b. If your condition is not life-threatening, you will be guided to the "drive-through" screening area.
- Your temperature will be taken and you will be asked about respiratory symptoms.
- If you do not have a fever or respiratory symptoms, you will be directed to your original destination (lab, clinic, imaging, Emergency Department, etc.).
- If you have a fever and/or respiratory symptoms, you will be directed to your original destination and asked to remain in your vehicle and a nurse will come out and evaluate.
Visitor Policy Change
To prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the flu, at this time, there will be no visitors allowed to visit patient or residents. The only exceptions are for visitation for end of life. Visitors are always welcome to call patients. As we monitor the (COVID-19), restrictions may change.
