OGDENSBURG — Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center is taking a number of precautionary and safety measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including details on a nursing advice hotline launched March 23.

“Protocols and precautions are in place, so all of our patients can receive the necessary care and testing needed during this situation. These will change as the situation evolves, and we appreciate your flexibility and patience at this time,” a press release from the hospital stated. “We are not only here to treat potential COVID-19 patients,” said Rich Duvall, CEO & President of CHMC, “We are here for anyone in the community that needs healthcare. That’s our mission, and we intend to keep meeting it.”

Prevention & Containment

A team of professionals, under the direction of CHMC Chief of Medicine Dr. Michael Seidman, are working to meet the evolving needs of the pandemic. CHMC is screening all calls for those looking for appointments that may be displaying symptoms of COVID-19. CHMC also has protocols in place to ensure that patients presenting with potential COVID-19 symptoms have limited exposure to other patients seeking treatment, the press release said.

Not all individuals will be tested for COVID-19. Due to limited supplies, those receiving tests must meet the criteria for high risk as prescribed by the New York State Department of Health.

Nursing Advice Hotline

For those seeking local, immediate information on COVID-19, when to seek treatment for respiratory illness, and how to find treatment, contact the Nursing Advice Hotline at 315-713-6655 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. to speak to a CHMC representative for further information and assistance. This service began March 23.

Screening

In an additional effort to contain possible infections, all staff, patients, and visitors will receive screening upon entering any CHMC facility. While this is an inconvenience, it is a necessary measure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to maintain normal functions for those seeking treatment at CHMC facilities.

Updated Visitor Policy

Per the direction of the NYS DOH, effective immediately, all visitation is suspended except when medically necessary, or for family members or legal representatives of patients in end-of-life situations.

Patients with providers in the medical office building must be unaccompanied unless assistance is needed.

Surgical patients in need of assistance may also have one companion at the time of their procedure.

Delivering patients may also have one support companion during their time with CHMC.

Info: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/share-facts.html; New York State Department of Health 24-hour hotline, 1-888-364-3065; CHMC’s COVID-19 information page, www.claxtonhepburn.org/covid-19/ .