Rapid COVID-19 testing kits now available at Phoebe health system

DOUGHERTY COUNTY, Ga. – As of Friday afternoon, Phoebe health system reports having a total of 837 patients test positive for COVID-19.

Phoebe representatives say the number of cases will continue to rise as more testing is done. 

The health system currently awaiting the results of more than 1,200 tests.

Chief Medical Office at Phoebe, Dr. Steven Kitchen, says Phoebe has testing capabilities that other communities may not, and people from surrounding counties are seeking help at the already overwhelmed health system.

To combat the number of patients in need of testing, Phoebe is now able to perform tests in-house.

Dr. Kitchen says, “We now have in-house testing capability for COVID-19 at Phoebe Putney, it went live last night, it’s functioned extraordinarily well and effectively thus far and has already been instrumental in allowing us to place patients in the most appropriate settings within the hospital.”

Dr. Kitchen says they are now able to receive test results in a matter of hours but that the number of kits is limited.

Kitchen says more testing kits have been requested.