FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH) will adjust services until coronavirus (COVID-19) is no longer a threat to the Fort Campbell communities in order to continue to protect patients and personnel and best equip personnel with the skills necessary to screen and care for patients.
Currently, BACH has adjusted its visitor process, pharmacy services, routine appointments and surgical services.
Screening process for all individuals
At this time, the hospital remains open for scheduled services and has implemented a brief health screening for anyone entering the hospital or outlying clinics. The screening has moved quickly in most cases, but beneficiaries and staff should allow for additional time when arriving for a scheduled appointment.
The hospital’s A Building remains open 24/7 and the C entrance is open 6 a.m- 10 p.m, seven days a week. The Emergency Center remains open 24/7.
The new system is based off guidance from the CDC recommending that healthcare facilities screen patients and visitors for symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g, fever, cough and difficulty breathing) before entering a healthcare facility.
Screening process for COVID-19 related symptoms
BACH has established a by-appointment, drive-up screening station, which will expand capabilities in the coming days. A temporary tent was set up and more tents are expected to be in place this week to support the appointment-only COVID-19 drive-up screening process. Performing initial screening outside the hospital helps reduce the health risk to beneficiaries, visitors, staff and family members. Patients will be able to remain in their vehicles as the screening process is performed. This process helps limit the spread of possible infection and contact within the Fort Campbell community.
Continued guidance
Currently, according to the CDC, anyone contracting a respiratory illness should not presume to have contracted COVID-19; however, patients with fever, cough or difficulty breathing should seek medical care.
Anyone feeling ill is advised to call before arriving at BACH to reduce risk to themselves and others involved.
Beneficiaries can contact the Nurse Advice Line at MHSNurseAdviceLine.com for a web or video chat, or call 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273)
Beneficiaries can call the hospital’s appointment line at (270) 798-4677 or (931) 431-4677, Monday-Friday, 6 a.m-4:30 p.m. Medical staff will ask questions about symptoms, contact with individuals effected by the virus and travel history. Those who meet the criteria for testing will be given specific instructions on where to go.
Routine appointments rescheduled
BACH personnel are reviewing appointments scheduled March 23 or later and will reschedule non-urgent outpatient appointments. Additionally, hospital personnel are reviewing TRICARE Online appointments.
“By rescheduling appointments, we will decrease the amount of traffic through our medical services and reduce exposure of patients exhibiting COVID-19 or other disease symptoms to our beneficiaries,” said Col. Patrick T. Birchfield. “This will allow our healthcare team time to care for urgent medical needs and make preparations to care for potential COVID-19 patients. We will make every attempt to conduct you appointment telephonically.”
Rescheduling elective surgeries
Effective March 19, only urgent and emergent surgical procedures, as well as surgical procedures on Active Duty Soldiers, will be performed. Active Duty Soldiers whose surgical procedures should be completed within two months to prevent the risk of further medical complications will continue. This will allow them to continue supporting their readiness mission.
Rescheduling elective surgeries allow conservation of medial supplies needed for potential COVID-10 patients and allow BACH providers to focus on the critical care medicine associated with COVID-19.
Visitors limited
In order to limit exposure for patients, staff and the community, the hospital has adjusted its visitor policy to two visitors, age 18 and older for inpatients, and one escort if required to accompany patients to appointments. For their safety, BACH recommends no visitors or escorts age 60 and older due to increased risk of severe illness.
“This is not a decision made lightly. While we understand the importance of family support during hospitalization, preventing or limiting the new coronavirus requires us to temporarily adjust our visiting policy in order to keep our patients and visitors safe from infection,” said Birchfield.
Pharmacies shift to drop off/pick up only service
BACH is following the latest national guidance in social distancing with limiting groups to 10 people to stop the spread of COVID-19, BACH’s Fort Campbell pharmacies will be following the social distancing national guidance by converting all pharmacies to drop off and pick-up services only.
The pharmacy team’s goal is to have all prescriptions ready for pickup, two hours after you check in at the window. Beneficiaries are asked to ensure all contact information is on file so the Pharmacy team can contact them with any questions.
Additional options for beneficiaries include Express Scripts Home Delivery or visiting a TRICARE Network Pharmacy.
“Thank you for your support and patience during this unprecedented time. We will continue to take proactive steps, working alongside our military and community partners in accordance with he guidance from the CDC and the Department of Defense to contain the spread and mitigate the impact of the virus, while maintaining our vital military healthcare and readiness missions. As this time, the situation is rapidly evolving, so we will continue to share updates and appreciate your cooperation, commitment, patience and support,” said Birchfield.
Beneficiaries can learn more about COVID-19 by visiting www.CDC.gov.