Health facilities gradually open to public
GLASGOW, Ky.-Those who have been waiting to get into the hospital for non-coronavirus related treatments can breathe a sigh of relief. Non-urgent health services, as of Monday can resume, not including surgery or elective invasive procedures.
TJ Samson executive vice president of practice management Jenny Cirwinske said she’s glad to see the patients again.
“We’re really excited about it. We’ve been closed six to eight weeks in the outpatient section, so seeing some friendly faces and patients come in is a good thing for us,” Cirwinske said.
The TJ Health Pavilion has had to adjust to keep social distancing guidelines. The waiting areas have been revamped, so the chairs are all six feet apart.
To keep numbers low, names and numbers will be taken for excess patients, so they can wait in their cars until room opens up.
“We’re still encouraging our providers to do telehealth as much as possible for patients that aren’t really sick but still need to see their physicians,” Cirwinske said.
Lazarus Chiropractic in Bowling Green isn’t opening yet, but chiropractor Dr. Michael Elkins said he’s glad to finally prepare to open by taking necessary safety steps.
“I know that our patients are really excited about being able to come back in. We have a lot of people who’ve been waiting patiently, so it’s going to be a great day when we can actually get everything in line and get the doors open,” Elkins said.
Whether it’s a chiropractor’s office or other health needs, health officials like Cirwinske emphasize that those needing non-coronavirus-related assistance, shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to a hospital.
“If this was a normal non-Covid time, and they felt bad to come in to a physician or to the hospital, we need them to continue to do that, and for them to understand that it’s safe for them to be here. It’s a lot safer than waiting,” Cirwinske said.
Health officials emphasize that if you have Covid-19 symptoms, get tested immediately before entering a hospital for other services.
