Slidell Memorial Hospital confirms positive COVID-19 patient

At Slidell Memorial Hospital, patient safety and well-being is our top priority. Last night (March 10, 2020), the Louisiana Office of Public Health (OPH) confirmed a patient with COVID-19 at our hospital.

The patient is being treated in an isolation room, and our team of caregivers are following all infection control and prevention protocols.

SMH has been preparing for this situation, working closely with the Louisiana Office of Public Health, as well as other local, state and federal agencies. Our staff has been completing drills and refreshing training on proper isolation protocol and personal protective equipment use. We are equipped with negative pressure rooms and supplies to take care of this patient and additional patients going forward, as well as ensuring the safety of our other patients and our team.

We have been utilizing prescreening questionnaires to identify patients who should be given masks and placed in isolation immediately as precautionary measures. We encourage patients who suspect that they have this virus, or any flu-like symptoms, to call their healthcare provider before going into an Emergency Room or clinic in order to help prevent the virus from spreading.

The health and safety of our employees and patients is our top priority. We want to thank our incredible group of highly trained staff who acted immediately and appropriately.

We would also like to reassure patients that Slidell Memorial Hospital and its clinics remains open. If you have questions about scheduled appointments or procedures, please contact your provider.

In compliance with federal patient privacy regulations and out of respect for patients and their families, we are unable to make any further comments regarding the patient’s condition.

Please refer to CDC.gov/COVID19 for questions about COVID-19, your risk in the United States, and what you can do to prepare at home.