LAURINGBURG — Scotland Health Care System, like the rest of the country, has been preparing for the arrival of COVID-19 patients. As we have expected, COVID-19 patients have come to our system for treatment.
In the spirit of transparency and as promised, we wish to report that Scotland Memorial Hospital has treated two positive cases of COVID-19. The first case was treated and released home to self-quarantine and the second is currently being treated within our facility.
We realize the visitor restrictions we put in place caused an inconvenience to patients and families, but those efforts taken in preparation of this event helped us mitigate the risk to our patients, employees, providers and potential visitors.
Scotland Health will continue monitoring and coordination with local and state authorities to keep the community informed and safe.
For privacy and safety reasons, information about the individuals is limited, but efforts are being made to identify all of those who may have come in contact with the patients.
Scotland Health Care System is committed to limiting the spread of the virus, so the following restrictions are still in effect:
• NO visitors will be allowed into Scotland Memorial Hospital except under extremely limited circumstances.
• Patients in the provider practices are only allowed one visitor in the building during the visit.
• All visitors will be screened and not permitted to enter if experiencing respiratory or flu-like symptoms.
• The hospital’s cafeteria and gift shop will not be open to the general public.
• Cancelling non-essential surgeries, procedures and rescheduling ambulatory appointments.
Consistent with recommendations from the CDC, anyone who is experiencing flu-like symptoms, has traveled to a high-risk area or has come in contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19, may need to be tested. You do not necessarily need to go to the Emergency Department to be tested for COVID-19. Scotland is currently offering drive thru testing to patients who fit criteria and with a physician order. You may call your primary care physician to coordinate your testing.
Scotland Health offers a COVID-19 Helpline for our community members, who understandably are concerned and may have questions. Please dial 910-504-8990 should you need information regarding the current situation during the hours of 8 am-5pm Monday-Friday.
