Dr. Kenneth Robinson, chief of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Hartford Hospital explains the drive-though testing for COVID-19 at Hartford HealthCare during a visit with WTNH, Channel 8. Here is a lightly edited version of the interview:
Q: What’s being done to protect you guys on the front lines? Tell us what’s being done and what should people think about.
A: There are teams in every hospital in our system, and our hospital specifically, working furiously to set up safe processes by which we can take care of all the patients that we usually take care of. I would like everyone to know that it’s safe to come to the hospital.
We’re doing everything we can to mitigate the spread of the disease and even if you don’t have a COVID-related complaint, it’s safe and we’re there for you.
Q: Tell us about drive-through testing. Who can do this? What do you need before you go there? What’s the process?
A: We’re expecting the testing station at Hartford to be operational this afternoon (March 16) and then across the system in a day or two. (For a complete list of locations and times, click here.)
What we’re asking is that if anyone is interested in the testing that they contact their primary care doctor. We’ve been in close contact with the primary care doctors in the area. They will know how to connect with the testing when you’ll then be asked to call in over the phone and asked some questions.
Patients will then be instructed which testing center to go to. They will go to the testing center, roll down their window we’ll give them some information, do two swabs (tests), tell them how they will get their follow-up information. Then they’ll be on their way. The testing usually takes three to four days at this point.
Q: Tell us your thoughts as an ER doctor as we see the social-distancing, quarantining and staying at home — all these safety measures. Are you happy with what you’re seeing?
A: I think the communication to society has been absolutely amazing. The amount of information that’s flowing out is great. People’s behavior seems to have changed immediately. People are very understanding. We’re asking people to limit the visitation at the hospital, where we’re only allowing one visitor with a patient on our campus. We’re screening all visitors and they’re being extremely understanding. So the communication is going really well.
Not feeling well? Call your healthcare provider for guidance and try to avoid going directly to an emergency department or urgent care center, as this could increase the chances of the disease spreading.
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