DARLINGTON — Staff at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette (MHLC) and Primary Care Clinics (PCC) want patients to know that it is safe for families to come to their facilities to receive medical care. Whether needed to be seen at Primary Care Clinics, Specialty Clinics or other outpatient service, MHLC is prepared with safety and infection control measures in place to keep patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Staff is well prepared to meet both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 care needs within the community. Putting off medical care can be potentially riskier than coming into the facility.

Infection Control has remained a core focus of MHLC to ensure the safety of their patients, visitors and staff. As a result, when coming in for medical care things will look and feel different. Staff has made many changes and while some of these changes may be inconvenient, but are put in place so that medical care can be safely received. 

Some of the changes include: receiving a call the day before a scheduled visit and asking questions regarding symptoms and potential exposure to COVID-19. If patients are having some symptoms, the visit may be delayed, a telehealth visit may be offered or extra precautions will be taken to keep the patient and everyone else safe; upon arrival most patients will be asked to wait in the car and call the front desk to be screened prior to being directed to the area where medical treatment will be provided. This allows for social distancing and decreased exposure to other individuals.

Upon entering the facility: the patient’s temperature will be taken and be given a medical mask. This increases protection; it is requested to not bring anyone else to an appointment. If a support person is needed, exceptions can be made for: one parent coming in with a child or if assistance is needed to make medical decisions or understand the information provided by care givers, ask staff how they can help accommodate phone, electronic or computer communication during visits.

The staff wears medical masks and eye protection for all patient interaction. This keeps them healthy so they are here to care for their patients and do not expose the patient to an illness. The facility staff are diligent in providing extra protection to the patients by cleaning more frequently in all areas of their facilities.