Top Ways to Prep Your Facility & Staff

Medical facilities around the United States were mandated to halt optional surgeries and procedures throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. Now that restrictions are slowly being relaxed, it’s important to ensure that you have the proper protocols in place to keep your patients and your staff safe and prevent exposure.

Accelerate Sanitizing Procedures

Like never before, medical facilities have to ramp up their cleansing procedures throughout their hours of operation and before and after patients arrive. It’s necessary to use disinfectants that are approved by the FDA and EPA and are proven to kill the coronavirus and to have staff performing sanitizing processes wear the appropriate PPE.

Perform Exam, Surgery & Treatment Room Cleanings Throughout the Day

In addition to performing cleanings in your facility’s common areas, it important to sanitize exam, treatment and surgery rooms before and after each patient, including wiping down all areas that were touched like door knobs, exam tables, chairs, etc. Changing out equipment and other materials that were in contact with patients is also recommended.

Ensure Proper PPE Inventory

Upon reopening, all of your staff members must have the proper PPE to protect them while caring for patients. Make sure that you have enough of disposal items like gloves, masks and gowns.

Require Masks

To protect staff and patients, many medical facilities are requiring patients to wear masks.

While you can allow them to remove their masks once inside the exam room, those in the waiting room or other common areas should wear a mask for their own safety as well as the safety of others.

Screen Patients Upon Arrival

Screening patients for fever and symptoms of COVID-19 is also recommended when you welcome patients into your facility for procedures. In addition to taking temperatures, you can provide a form that asks a series of questions related to symptoms or exposure of the virus. 

Limit Visitors

With the exception of parents who are accompanying their minor child, it’s recommended that you limit the amount of people coming into your facility. It’s a good idea to remind patients that can drive themselves home after procedures to either come on their own or bring along only one family member.

As you begin to resume optional surgeries and treatments, be sure to continue to follow the guidelines set forth by the CDC and local officials. Follow these tips on safety protocols to protect your team and your patients.

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