RICHMOND, Va. -- HCA Virginia’s Henrico Doctors’ Hospital will temporarily suspend emergency services at its West Creek Emergency Center in Goochland County, effective Wednesday, April 8 at 7:00 a.m.
The move will allow HCA Virginia to shift critical staff and resources to other campuses to combat COVID-19 outbreak.
This includes moving much needed personal protective equipment (PPE), to other HCA Virginia facilities that are experiencing a greater volume of COVID-19 patients.
“As a leading health system in the community, it is our responsibility to do whatever we can to provide care during this unprecedented challenge,” said Ryan Jensen, CEO of Henrico Doctors’ Hospitals. “Thank you to all our of staff and caregivers – and those throughout our community – for their continued selfless work caring for those in need.”
HCA Virginia says all other free-standing emergency centers will remain fully operational, including Hanover Emergency Center, Swift Creek ER, and TriCities ER.
Those facilities will continue to treat COVID-19 patients.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.Avoid non-essential travel.