Hometown Health Center locations in Newport and Dexter are open and are seeing patients. It may not be business as usual during these challenging times, but all patients have continued access to us. While our structure may look a little different these days, be confident in the knowledge that patients are still getting excellent care by our dedicated and selfless team.
We have taken steps to help ensure the safety of patients and of our staff. We take the temperature of every staff member twice a day. As always, our primary goal is to provide comprehensive medical care to the community. We want to assure everyone that we are following CDC guidelines and recommended protocols in order to protect our community.
Our office protocol:
All patients who have a scheduled appointment will be called the day before to be screened. If the patient reports symptoms of COVID-19 (shortness of breath, fever, cough) they will be given further instruction over the phone by a member of the medical staff on how to proceed.
If the patient does not have symptoms, they may come to their appointment.
Please note that appointment times may change. We are working to segregate sick areas from well areas. Patients with routine appointments, such as follow-ups, medication refills, etc., may still come to their appointments.
Patients who are sick, or who have symptoms are asked to stay in their cars and to call the office from their cell phones when they arrive. Someone will be out to attend to them and usher them to a specific exam room via a side door. In some situations, they may be seen right in their car.
We are also so encouraging patients to leave family, friends, and others at home unless they are needed as a caregiver, parent/guardian, or young sibling, etc.
As for testing, you may be aware, testing supplies for the COVID-19 virus are limited in Maine. If the provider thinks testing is necessary, they are able to complete a COVID-19 test at our office. Please understand there are guidelines outlined to help determine the most appropriate use of testing supplies. We will not test every single patient that comes to the office with a fever or cough. Each patient will be screened appropriately.
Everyone who comes to the health center will have their temperature taken at the door, will be given hand sanitizer and will be asked screening questions regarding symptoms. If the patient is not symptomatic, they will be taken to an exam room.
Any patient who has symptoms and wants to make an appointment is asked to call BEFORE they come into the office so they can be triaged by our medical staff and given instruction on how to proceed. If it is deemed necessary for the patient to come to the office, they are asked to stay in the car and call the office on their cell phone when they arrive.
These measures are put in place for the safety and care of everyone. They are also subject to change as the situation continues to evolve. We monitor the CDC extremely closely and will keep you all informed. Thank you for your patience during this challenging time. We will get through this together.