e Respiratory Illness Tent stationed directly behind Hunterdon Medical Center on April 3. The tent will be open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The purpose of the Respiratory Illness Tent is to accomplish the following:
– Expand existing evaluation and testing capacity for individuals who meet the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 screening criteria.
– Offer individuals experiencing symptoms potentially related to the COVID-19 virus a direct and convenient connection to screening and treatment.
– Alleviate volume strain on the Emergency Department, which allows them to focus on patients who present with conditions not presumably related to the COVID-19 virus.
Following CDC guidance, Hunterdon Healthcare has been actively sharing testing criteria and instructions to receive care with its patients and the community through their patient portals, social media outlets, website (hunterdonhealthcare.org), and local media partners. All Hunterdon Healthcare providers and affiliates are providing existing patients access to virtual visits and have strategically identified specific locations as Upper Respiratory Sites where patients who meet COVID-19 screening criteria are directed to receive a coronavirus test.
Additionally, Hunterdon Healthcare launched the Hunterdon Healthcare COVID Hotline, staffed by nurses who are available from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., seven days a week to answer questions and/or triage potential patients to the appropriate location for care. On average, the Hotline has received approximately 130 calls per day. The phone number for the Hotline is 908-788-6440.
Individuals who choose to visit the Respiratory Illness Tent should follow the following process:
– When arriving at the hospital directly drive up to the Emergency Department entrance.
– At the entrance, a clinician will step out of a booth and approach the driver’s window to understand their medical needs. If the individual is experiencing a true emergency they will be directed in for immediate assistance.
– If respiratory illness or possible COVID-19 is the purpose of the visit the driver will be instructed to follow the signs to the rear of the hospital where the tent is located.
– Upon arrival at the tent, the driver should remain in their car and will be met by a clinician who will instruct the driver where to park and explain how they will be brought into the tent for screening.
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