Phoebe hospital making changes amid Coronavirus concerns

(ALBANY, GA)- Governor Brian Kemp announced that two cases of the Coronavirus were in Georgia, Monday evening.

Since then, local hospitals like Phoebe Putney have already taken some precautions.

Phoebe Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Steven Kitchen says, “Knowing that Coronavirus has two cases in Georgia, we’re trying to make sure that we’re positioned from a patient safety standpoint to minimize exposure and transmission.”

Dr Kitchen, alongside other Phoebe board members are meeting several times a week to discuss more changes to visitation rules should the situation reach South Georgia.

But that may vary on a case-by case basis .

“So depending on the circumstances, it may be one visitor per patient. So it’s really about striking a balance between making sure patients have the emotional and family support they need, and really balance that from a patient safety standpoint,” ays Dr Kitchen.

As Phoebe officials are monitoring the ongoing status of the disease in Georgia, they’re making sure everyone, not just the patients knows what the changes are.

Dr. Kitchen says, “A lot of that is around making sure that our employees and our staff are thoroughly equipped from a training and education standpoint to adhere to all of the recommendations from an infection prevention and control standpoint.”

Doctor Kitchen says people should still take the time to prepare and practice good hygiene like a regular flu season.