JUPITER, FLA. (March 14, 2020) — Jupiter Medical Center, the #1 ranked
hospital in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast region, today announced the
implementation of a series of preventative measures aimed at improving
the safety and well being of its patients, caregivers and the general
public from the potential spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). These new procedures follow the
regional medical center’s announcement in late January that it would vigorously follow the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) and the
Florida Department of Health’s guidelines for the screening, prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment
of COVID-19.
“Like many leading national and regional medical centers across the
country, Jupiter Medical Center has been actively engaged in efforts to
prepare for the impact from COVID-19,” said Dr. Amit Rastogi, president
and chief executive officer. “These new measures demonstrate our
highest priority is the health and well-being of our patients, our team
members and the larger Palm Beach County community that we serve.”
On Thursday, the medical center streamlined its visitors’ policy
by limiting patients to no more than two visitors, each of whom must meet
Florida Department of Health screening criteria.
Dr. Rastogi clarified that the medical center is not a testing site for
COVID-19, noting that the department of health has advised that hospitals
should not be used for non-critical conditions or non-emergencies, and
that includes coronavirus testing. Individuals experiencing mild symptoms
– fever, dry cough or difficulty breathing —are urged to call
their primary care physician as doctors’ offices can take swabs
for testing and send them to the appropriate lab.
Jupiter Medical Center continues to conduct multi-disciplinary training
and drills to prepare team members to recognize potential cases of COVID-19,
implement screening and isolation protocols, and properly use personal
protective equipment.
The non-profit regional medical center is also working closely and collaboratively
with state and federal authorities, suppliers and staff to procure and
steward the necessary resources, including respirators, negative pressure
rooms, test kits and N95 masks, to effectively identify and treat those
that may have the virus.
The hospital recently canceled several community events – including
the community event to celebrate the opening of the Anderson Family Cancer
Institute in an effort to support the call for social distancing as a
way to stem the spread of the virus. The hospital will monitor the situation
closely to determine whether to cancel other events in the future.
“Following these guidelines is crucial in our ongoing effort to protect
patients, caregivers and team members from the risk of infection,”
Dr. Rastogi said. “These new measures are necessary as we evolve
our posture and to prevent the likelihood of spread.”
In addition, the medical center has suspended all student training, with
the exception of medical students and those training to be physician assistants
and nurse practitioners who are working in areas other than the Emergency
Department. Volunteer services have also been temporarily suspended, as
has been the hospital’s Motor Aid program.
For more information about testing, questions and other issues related
to the coronavirus, members of the public should call the Florida Department
of Health COVID-19 hotline at 1-866-779-6121.
About Jupiter Medical Center
Ranked #1 for quality, patient safety and patient satisfaction, Jupiter
Medical Center is the leading destination for world-class health care
in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. In 2019,
The Leapfrog Group named Jupiter Medical Center a “Top Hospital,” a distinction
earned by only 6 percent of hospitals nationwide. Jupiter Medical Center
is also the only hospital in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian
River counties to receive a 4-star quality and safety rating from the
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Outstanding physicians, state-of-the-art facilities, innovative techniques
and a commitment to serving the community enable Jupiter Medical Center
to meet a broad range of patient needs. The region’s only independent,
not-for-profit hospital, Jupiter Medical Center offers specialty concentrations
in orthopedics and spine care; cancer care and oncology; cardiac and vascular
care; neuroscience and stroke care; women’s and children’s
services; urgent care; and other key areas.
For more information on Jupiter Medical Center, please call (561) 263-2200 or visit
jupitermed.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Ernestine Williams
Jupiter Medical Center
561-263-3852
Ernestine.Williams@jupitermed.com