What to expect when seeking urgent or emergency care
Contact: Sasha Dull
Guidance from Crossing Rivers Health Emergency Department regarding visitor restrictions
“We understand that having an emergent or urgent health need is stressful - and especially now with the heightened concern and precautions in place due to COVID-19,” stated Heidi Kirschbaum, Emergency Department Clinical Services Director at Crossing Rivers Health. “While our emergency department is ready to care for any health need that may arise, we want the community to know what to expect when visiting our emergency department during this time.”
For the safety of community and staff, only patients are allowed to enter the emergency entrance at Crossing Rivers Health for emergency or urgent care services. Visitors, including a patient’s family and friends, are restricted from entering the emergency department. An exception will be made in the case patients under 18 or those with altered mental status, who may have one parent or guardian accompany them. Other exceptions will be made if a patient is in critical condition.
Although the emergency department is available 24/7, the emergency entrance will be locked from 8 p.m. – 7 a.m. every day. Patients may enter into the first set of doors to the emergency department and registration staff will speak to them on the intercom before entering.
Family and friends are instructed to wait in their vehicle and call the emergency department at 608.357.2222 to discuss the patient’s condition and receive updates regarding their loved one. Those who do not have a cell phone can enter the first set of emergency department doors to use the intercom to speak to the emergency department staff.
With such strong protective measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Crossing Rivers Health Emergency Department would like to ease the minds of community members in the event that the emergency department is needed. Kirschbaum shared, “We understand it may be difficult to simply drop your friend or loved one at the door. Please feel free to call us as often as you need to receive updates or provide information about your loved one that may be important for us to be aware of and know that they are in capable, caring hands.”
For a complete list of visitor restrictions and additional COVID-19 related resources, please visit www.crossingrivers.org.
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