Local hospital offers cautious optimism in regards to Covid-19
By Robbie McKay Lincoln News • April 23, 2020
MILLINOCKET – With numbers from the Maine CDC showing a slowdown of new cases of Covid-19 here in Maine, officials with Millinocket Regional Hospital are encouraging people to continue following CDC guidelines.
While the state has been reporting an average of 15 new cases per day, the virus is present in the tri-town region and warrants continued vigilance. All of the patients except one continue to recover at home. It has been noted that there are still quite a few people out and about, and MRH encourages people to remain vigilant and attentive to handwashing and social distancing.
According to Missy Martin, RN, VP of Quality at MRH, a couple of new symptoms for the virus are emerging.
“Many patients with COVID are reporting GI symptoms including nausea and diarrhea as first symptoms and sometimes the only symptoms.” Martin said.
“If you have symptoms consistent with COVID, or have any suspicion you are ill (COVID or otherwise), please stay home and away from others, call our COVID hotline (447-4190) and begin to follow the home care instructions on our website mrhme.org,” said Martin. “If you don’t get through, please leave a message.”
Bob Peterson, MRH Chief Executive Officer, has said that employees are urged to be vigilant in using the personal protective equipment and to also make sure they are practicing strict social distancing while they are off duty.
“My goal is to have 100% of our staff Covid-free when this is over,” Peterson said.
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About Millinocket Regional Hospital
Millinocket Regional Hospital (MRH) is a 25 bed Critical Access Hospital nestled at the base of Baxter State Park that provides vital healthcare services to those who live, work and play in the Katahdin Region. Beyond the friendly staff and award-winning patient care, MRH provides an impressive range of specialty and general services; with a recent expansion resulting in the addition of eight new specialties and a Walk-In Care facility. In 2018, MRH was awarded the Press Ganey ‘Guardian of Excellence Award’ for exceptional patient experience; a nationally-recognized symbol of achievement for hospitals who consistently perform within the top 5%. Providing jobs to approximately 250 people, MRH is the largest employer in the Katahdin Region and a crucial economic driver within its community. For more information, please visit www.mrhme.org or www.facebook.com/MillinocketRegionalHospital