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Safety: Our Top Priority

Safety: Our Top Priority2021-01-19T11:28:02-05:00

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed much in our lives, CentraState’s commitment to improve the health and wellness of our community has not. We are prepared to care for you in a safe environment.

We want you to know about the many safety measures we have put in place for our patients and their families to prevent exposure to COVID-19 in our hospital, outpatient and residential facilities and primary and specialty care offices. These include:

  • enhanced infection control and cleaning protocols, such as the use of UV light;
  • COVID-19 screenings for all patients and staff at the Medical Center;
  • the installation of Plexiglas and other physical distancing methods throughout the system.
  • placing patients with COVID-19 in separate units with trained teams of healthcare providers. This makes it possible to treat other patients on units where there are no COVID-19 patients.

Read the full list here.

Our commitment to serve as a local leader in response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is unwavering. We are honored to be your health system of choice and look forward to continuing to serve all of your healthcare needs.

We’re open. We’re safe. We’re ready.

  • Our emergency department is ready to assist you in medical emergencies. If you are experiencing an emergency, go to the Emergency Department or call 911.
  • Don’t put off routine care for chronic health conditions. CentraState physicians are open for business and many offer telehealth services. Putting off routine care for chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, can lead to more serious outcomes down the road so it is important to stay in touch with your healthcare providers. Click here to find a physician or visit livelifewellnj.com for a selection of virtual wellness programs.

Steps We Are Taking to Keep You Safe

  • CentraState’s infection control team and hospital administrators follow best practices as guided by state and national health agencies regarding infection control procedures in hospital and residential health settings. Following the highest standards for infection control has enabled CentraState to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, keeping our patients and staff as safe as possible.
  • CentraState’s Environmental Services department is utilizing UV technology, in addition to other standard methods, in the fight against COVID-19. Clorox Healthcare Optimum-UV Enlight System gives our facility and patients’ better protection against deadly pathogens. With its advanced ultraviolet light (UV-C) technology and smart data reporting, the system allows us to go above and beyond routine cleaning and disinfection protocols. The system delivers a programmed dose of short-wavelength ultraviolet light to kill pathogens on hospital surfaces.

  • All patients (both inpatient and for outpatient services) and medical center staff are screened for COVID-19 symptoms, including temperatures, and are required to wear masks while in CentraState facilities. They can use cloth face covers, personal masks or will be provided a procedure mask, if needed.
  • Plexiglas barriers and other means of physical distancing are placed in areas where the public and staff interact, such as information and reception desks.
  • Patient care spaces in all departments have been reconfigured to maintain physical distancing.
  • Entrance points to the hospital are limited to ensure the screenings are taking place.
  • Outpatient appointment times are being staggered to reduce wait times and the number of people in our reception areas. In most cases, patients are brought back to clinical area immediately after checking-in.

  • When patients are hospitalized, we place patients with COVID-19 in separate units with trained teams of healthcare providers. This makes it possible to treat other patients on units where there are no COVID-19 patients.

  • CentraState’s COVID-19 response team and administrators are in close contact with public health officials and follow best practice from the CDC and state Department of Health guidelines in policies regarding use of personal protective equipment for all clinical staff who come into contact with patients. This not only keeps our staff safe but also reduces the risk to our patients, residents and visitors.
  • When our employees have symptoms of a respiratory illness, they are required to stay home until they have recovered completely.
  • All employees who enter the hospital or ambulatory campus are screened for symptoms before being allowed on site.
  • All CentraState staff working in clinical areas wear masks and maintain physical distancing whenever possible to protect patients and co-workers.
  • In non-patient care areas, we encourage employees to practice physical distancing when possible and wear masks whenever physical distancing is not possible.

  • Upon arrival to the ED, every patient will be instructed to wear a mask to protect both themselves and others. The patient will also be screened for COVID-19.
  • Based upon the reason for your visit to the Emergency Department, you will be escorted into a private room where the door will be closed at all times for both your safety and the safety of others.

  • Every patient is checked for the symptoms of the virus and surveyed regarding potential exposure.
  • All patients are given a mask to wear, and pre-op care is delivered individually, instead of in a room with other patients. All healthcare providers wear the appropriate required masks and PPE.
  • Patients exhibiting with symptoms of COVID-19 or at risk of having the virus have surgery in one of two reserved ORs, separate from non-positive patients.
  • Patients who stay overnight are on a floor reserved for non-COVID patients.

  • Each person admitted to Labor & Delivery is screened for COVID-19.
  • Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and those who are showing symptoms of the virus will stay in isolation rooms in a separate area of the labor and delivery unit, away from non-positive patients.
  • If the mother is COVID positive or symptomatic, contact with baby after delivery may be limited to reduce baby’s risk of contracting the virus.

  • Temperatures are taken and a COVID-19 questionnaire is completed upon arrival.
  • Rooms and high-touch areas are thoroughly disinfected before and after each patient.
  • Patients are required to wear masks through the entirety of their visit.
  • Staff members wear masks and the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.

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