What you need to know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Crisis Response Guidelines
We continue to stay in close contact with the county department of health to determine the best way to care for an unprecedented surge of critically ill COVID-19 patients. If the number of patients exceeds our resources, and there are no alternate care sites available, we may need to implement triage guidelines so that limited resources are used equitably and consistent with national standards.
Triaging care during a crisis situation is the most difficult decision any care team has to make. At Dignity Health, triage guidelines are based on the unequivocal principle that we treat all patients with dignity and respect.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Mercy and Memorial Hospitals have received shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine and is administering the vaccine to health care workers in our facilities.
Additional information will be provided here when it becomes available.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine FAQs, click here for English or here for Spanish. Additional resources are available on the CDC website and FDA website.
If you are interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, please make an appointment through the California Department of Public Health’s MyTurn system.
If you are not yet eligible or appointments are not available in your location, you can sign up to be notified when it’s your turn.
COVID-19 Hospital Preparedness
The mission of Mercy and Memorial Hospitals is to improve the health of our greater community by providing quality health care services, exceeding the expectations of those we serve.
The safety of our visitors, patients, employees, and physicians remains our highest priority. We want to assure the community that Mercy and Memorial Hospitals is closely monitoring all developments with COVID-19 and we are prepared to identify, isolate, and treat any potential patient who seeks care at our facility. We are in contact with local and state health officials as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our staff is following the latest guidance from these public health agencies. Mercy and Memorial Hospitals has the supplies and equipment needed to effectively manage the care of any suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients and we are continuously assessing the volume of supplies at our hospital.
We also continue to update the way we identify patients who may have COVID-19 as changes are made to the case definition. We have a screening tool and algorithms as part of our electronic health record system that help clinicians evaluate patients who may have the virus, and we are asking those visiting our facilities if they are experiencing any symptoms consistent with infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Additionally, communication with our employees and physicians is of the utmost importance and we have implemented added trainings for our employees and regularly conduct exercises for clinicians and staff on the correct procedures for using personal protection equipment while treating patients who may have COVID-19.
We will continue to adjust our approach to make sure we are as prepared as possible to treat cases in our community.
Memorial Hospital Receives 'A' Rating from The Leapfrog Group
Safety in health care has always been important, but it has never been more critical than it is today. Dignity Health – Memorial Hospital received an ‘A’ grade for patient safety from The Leapfrog Group for the Fall 2020 reporting period, its second ‘A’ rating this year.
“Leadership and staff at Memorial are honored to once again earn this recognition by The Leapfrog Group. This is a testament to our incredible team,” stated Ken Keller, president and CEO of Memorial Hospital. “Delivering safe, compassionate and effective care is a hallmark trait for our team as symbolized in our commitment to practicing humankindness daily. The community can count on us to make patient safety delivered with humanity our top priority at Memorial Hospital.”
This national distinction recognizes Memorial Hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Safety Grade assigns an ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’ or ‘F’ grade to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months. It is based on a hospital’s performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections and other harms to patients in their care.
“We are extremely grateful to hospital leadership and health care workers who have remained steadfast in prioritizing patient safety as our nation battles COVID-19,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “This ‘A’ is a testament to the care and commitment of those who work for Dignity Health – Memorial Hospital.”
Coronavirus testing
Our health care providers are in constant communication with local health officials on coronavirus testing. Some of our divisions are offering drive-thru testing services, or outpatient clinics for testing. Check with your health care provider for details.
A test is required in advance of any procedure scheduled in the hospital. Check with your physician’s office if you have questions. Learn more about how we are resuming services.
Additional information on testing is available through the CDC website.
Test pricing
In accordance with provisions in the CARES Act, the “cash” price for COVID-19 testing is available here. The actual price a patient may pay will likely be lower, as this price does not take into account insurance coverage or financial assistance a patient may be eligible for. Where testing is available at our own facilities it can typically be provided at a reduced cost. If in-house testing is not available, testing may be performed by an outside lab which sets the price for its test. These cash prices are only for the COVID-19 diagnostic testing itself and are not inclusive of the diagnosis and/or treatment of other medical conditions. Charges are continually reviewed and subject to change.
Virtual Care visits for Mild COVID-19 Symptoms
We’re here for you during this challenging time of increased coronavirus cases. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones is to stay at home. To encourage this social distancing as well as continue to support your health and well-being, we’re offering virtual care visits. If you or a family member have mild COVID-19 symptoms such as low-grade fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you can speak with a healthcare provider on your phone or other mobile device. Here are your options for accessing a virtual visit:
If using your computer desktop, please go to dignityhealth.org/virtualcareanywhere.
If you have an Android device, please download the app here.
If you have an Apple device, please download the app here.
Please note, we have been receiving a high volume of requests at this time. We apologize for longer than usual wait times.
Visitor Information Regarding COVID 19
Memorial:
A message for our valued patients and their families.
Mercy Hospitals:
COVID-19 Education
COVID-19 Resources
Kern County Public Health Department
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Help By Making A Donation
In response to COVID-19, our doctors, nurses and other care team members are utilizing necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) that keep them and the community safe. While we have enough masks and PPE as it stands now, we are focused on keeping up with demand. Many people want to help and we thank you for your interest.
To make a donation, please click here.