How St. Mary Is Prepping For Coronavirus

LANGHORNE, PA — Officials at St. Mary Medical Center are preparing to care for people sick with the new coronavirus while simultaneously working to tamp down the spread of the virus.

On Monday, officials at the Langhorne hospital were referring questions about its preparations for the coronavirus, known as COVID-19, to a newly created page on its website.

According to its website, St. Mary, at 1201 Langhorne-Netwown Rd., is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health authorities to protect staff and patients during the pandemic.

Among the steps its taken, the hospital is developing alternative locations for sick patients, officials said.

They are encouraging people who are ill with fever, cough or shortness of breath to call ahead before coming to the hospital.

They've also posted coronavirus-related signage at entry points of the hospital, are following CDC guidelines for the use of personal protective equipment at the hospital and restricted visitors there.

Visitation Restrictions

In response to the coronavirus, St. Mary has restricted in-patient visitation. No in-patient visitors currently are being allowed.

Clinically approved exceptions may be made in end-of-life situations, the hospital said. One visitor also may be approved for maternity and NICU patients.

Emergency department and outpatient patients are limited to one visitor who has been approved through screening. All visitors must wear a visitation badge at all times.

All visitors seeking approval are being screened. They are not allowed if they have a fever or respiratory symptoms, have contacted someone who was confirmed with the coronavirus, or have traveled in the past 14 days to Europe, China, Japan, Iran or South Korea.

How To Get Tested

In Pennsylvania, if you think you need to be tested for the coronavirus, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends you call your doctor. If you do not have a doctor, you may call the Bucks County Department of Health at 215-345-3318 or email COVID19@buckscounty.org.

You may also call the state hotline at 1-877-724-3258. A public health professional will speak with you and determine if you should go for testing and, if so, where.